William Robert 'Bill' Dawson

Passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 79 years of age. Beloved husband of Joan (nee Earls) for 54 years. Loving father of Deborah, Michael and his wife Penny Waddington, and Heather and her husband Joe Simac. Doting Grampa of Adam, Diandra, Patrick, Andrew, Tyler, Julia and Evan. Brother of Dan and his wife Joyce, Tom and his wife Connie, Bertha and her husband Don and the late Catherine Dawson. After working as a journeyman electrician in Hamilton and Kitchener, Bill achieved his Bachelor of Arts from Waterloo Lutheran University, and his teacher’s certification from Ontario College of Education. He taught for twenty years at the high school level in Kitchener and Peterborough. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman, and enjoyed many peaceful hours at the cottage reading and fishing with his grandchildren. With wife Joan, he travelled, and in retirement spent winters in Florida and participated in aquasize classes. Through hours at his favorite pastime, he achieved a Life Master in bridge. A 50 year Mason, he belonged to the Corinthian Lodge A.F. and A.M., and was a long-time treasurer at St. Barnabas Anglican Church. Heartfelt thanks for their compassionate care is extended to the Community Care Access Centre, especially care providers Kim from Nightingale Nurses and Jamie from V.O.N.; Hospice Peterborough; nurses on the Palliative Care Unit at P.R.H.C.; and Dr. Gillis-Doyle. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2012 in the chapel of Comstock Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 356 Rubidge Street, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation at www.cmfonline.org or the Retired Teachers Association Charitable Foundation at www.ero-rto.org in support of the Chair in Geriatrics. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com