Robert Douglas Dawson

Words will never be enough to express the grief and sadness in our hearts as our families share the news of the sudden passing of a "kind, gentle and loving man, on Saturday November 26, 2022, Robert Douglas Dawson, passed away at the age of 52.

Doug was born on April 6, 1970, in Edmonton, Alberta. He quickly became an Oilers and Elks fan and was lucky enough to attend many Oiler's games and a Grey Cup at Commonwealth Stadium. Growing up he spent his days with early morning rises to go goose hunting with his dad and cocker spaniel Bandit, learning life skills with Grampa Don, chaperoning his younger sisters, or hearing his mom on the sidelines cheering him on playing soccer. A significant achievement was the camaraderie of Scouts, where he learned to scuba dive. Through out high school Doug worked in a restaurant and never lost his talent to be in the kitchen, presenting amazing prime rib roasts for his dinner guests. He also perfected a signature butter chicken dish and his newest favorite, chicken mushroom chow mein.

In 1989 Doug decided on a forestry career and took the 2-year Forest Technology course through NAIT. Recruited to Houston, BC in 1991, putting down roots. Snowmobiling and fishing derbies with cohorts were his early day loves in his newfound community. He put 100% into any project and diplomatically asked if you liked it or if it was good enough, which was always above and beyond what was expected. Showing his thoughtful nature, Doug would remind the bush crews about Valentines Day out of respect to their partners. He though prevention was worth a pound of cure as he would put new tires on our pick-up or RV before they needed replacing, mostly due to too many flats on his bush truck.

Doug was the type of person who left loving notes on his way out the door, just to say, "Have a great day, love you".

On his way to work listening to "Larry and Willy" and later "Willy in the Morning" he would phone to share their funny joke. Sometimes he phoned from an access point on the bush road where you could get a cell signal (we called the phone booth), or phone while crossing Babine Lake on the barge. If he stayed in camp, he phoned to say "Goodnight" so I knew he arrived safely. If Doug was in the office for the day, he phoned to find out if we need anything picked up in town. There wasn't a day that went by without a phone call to each other from somewhere in his workday.

A dedicated soul mate with a love for adventure and travel, he could be found Backpacking, Day Hiking, Kayaking, X-Country skiing, or Biking exploring many mountains, beaches, trails, and lakes. Doug's favorite was RV travelling and we went as far south as the Grand Canyon and as far north as Boya Lake.

Doug's infectious smile and big wave as he drove up the driveway showed how happy he was to be home. His after-work ritual would be riding around on his lawn tractor, digging in the dirt prepping a potato patch, or splitting firewood, taking pride in making our house a home.

Not a day goes by we do not cry tears for you. We lost a kind gentle man who had a caring loving soul, you are greatly missed and do not realize how many lives you have touched.

Doug is dearly missed by the love of his life and soul mate Rhonda, his mom Linda, siblings Kathy (James), Jennifer (Sean), mother-in-law Stella, brothers-in-law Gary (Michelle), Darrin (Teresa) and several nieces and nephews: Brandon, Emily, Lillian, Roman, Vivian, Burke, Brennan, Ty, Quinn, Reid and Kord. Doug was predeceased by his father Bob and father-in-law Mayo.

An informal gathering to share memories and stories will be held at Silverthorne Lake, the date is yet to be determined.

Doug would be asking us to enjoy life, smiling and laughing, not dwelling in feelings of sadness or sorrow, but in loving kindness to others.

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