Harry Dahl passed away on February 5, 2023.He is lovingly remembered by his wife Beverly, his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Leonardo Bottone. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Faye Koop and Linda Thiessen and his brother-in-law Dennis Thiessen and his wife Jacqueline and their children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Margaret (Rempel) Dahl of Rosthern, his brother Gerald of Saskatoon and his in-laws Ike and Anne Thiessen of Aberdeen.
Harry was born in Rosthern and attended school first in Bergthal, then the elementary school in Rosthern, followed by Rosthern Junior College high school where he met Beverly. They were married in 1966.Harry attended the University of Saskatchewan for his B.Ed, his M.Ed in Educational Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration. He continued his education with doctoral studies in Educational Administration and took several post doctoral courses at Virginia Polytechnic & State University in Virginia. While working towards his M.Ed Harry developed a manual for simulated learning experiences to educate teachers and others about students with special needs. He and several colleagues presented many of these specialized simulation workshops across Canada and the United States.
Harry worked in Esterhazy, Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon in a variety of roles in both education and health settings, as a teacher, guidance counselor, Educational Psychologist, Regional Coordinator and Superintendent of Children's Services.He was a sessional lecturer at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. Harry developed and taught one of the first remote classes in special education.His work was published in many educational articles and books and he was active in many organizations but his life-long passion and commitment to the Council for Exceptional Children (C.E.C) was notable. This association was active in Saskatchewan, across Canada and had over 55,000 members world wide.Harry held many different roles within C.E.C. and the provincial C.E.C honoured his contributions and named a scholarship after him. Harry was elected President of the International organization in 1987, a rarity for a Canadian. Harry loved to organize conferences locally and internationally and had a great eye for detail.
Harry also loved to travel and made a point of seeing all the provinces and territories of Canada as well as visiting all of the 50 States. Some of this was accomplished with long driving trips with his brother Gerald. Harry also travelled on many local trips within Western Canada and often said he should write a book titled “Travels with my Wife, Her Sisters and Their Mother”. Harry was grateful to have been able to travel to Italy to see where Jennifer and Leonardo live and to meet Leonardo’s family. The Italian wedding celebration on the outdoor terrazza with food prepared by the family and many candles lighting the way to the ocean as well as a strolling Neapolitan musical folk group, was truly magical. Harry actually “really” liked his son-in-law.
Harry participated in many sports over his lifetime and especially enjoyed tennis and golf, and hit a Hole In One at the Willows in 2015. In later years Beverly and Harry enjoyed playing golf together on their trips and with friends.
Harry was an avid and eclectic reader and enjoyed lively conversations in various “Two Man Book Clubs”. As his health deteriorated Harry displayed patience and acceptance of the vagaries of ageing. His later days included meeting friends for coffee, playing Scrabble daily with Bev, driving everywhere to pick up special items such as the “best” baguette, reading the papers online, watching sports and reading in his favourite chair.
Although he had opportunities to work in other places, Harry remained committed and tied to his roots in Saskatchewan. Harry truly loved his career and volunteer work and it was very apparent that the student was the priority on any agenda. He supported Bev and Jennifer in every way and encouraged Bev to consider living in the U.S. for 2 years to pursue a Masters degree in Speech and Language Pathology. This was completely unheard of at the time but this decision was fully supported by the family.
Harry often marvelled at how his life turned out. He was truly amazed to have reached his 80th birthday. As a tribute to his life, Bev, Jennifer and Leonardo would like to ask his family, friends and former colleagues to celebrate the good in their own lives and raise a glass to toast Harry, while remembering past times and memories of being together.
Please join us on Thursday, May 25, 2023 to celebrate and remember the life of Harry Dahl. The gathering will take place between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at The Glen at Crossmount Event Centre in The Highlander Room. (5 kms south of the city on Lorne Avenue).
Please consider a donation to your favourite charity in Harry’s memory if you so wish.
Arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor.
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