The obituary section is a public area open to everyone. We have provided this area so that our members (and anyone actually) can view or submit details of a current or former Air Canada or Canadian Airlines employee or retiree who has passed away.
DAWSON, Douglas H - April 14, 2013
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DAWSON, Douglas H - April 14, 2013 Doug passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospice (BC) with this daughter and son-in-law by his side, after a very long and brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Doug was predeceased by his loving wife of 46 years, Louise, his parents Richard and Christine, brothers Richard and Alan, and sister Pearl. He is survived by his children, Cathy (Doug) of Victoria, BC, his son Kevin (Pam) of Rigaud, QC and his grandson Sam of Rigaud, QC. Doug spent 35 years at Air Canada, starting his illustrious career as an Office Boy for TCA (Trans-Canada Airlines) in Winnipeg, where he was born and raised. He moved to Montreal to work at the newly renamed Air Canada in 1960 after marrying his sweetheart Louise. They built their first home in Hudson Acres on Sunset Drive, adopted Kevin in 1969 and Cathy in 1970 and remained in Hudson until the early 1990’s. Doug held many positions at Air Canada; Avionics Technician, Labour Relations, Management, and finally Director of Maintenance. A move to Ottawa followed his retirement from Air Canada where he worked at ATAC (Air Transport Association of Canada) as Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance. Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease forced him to retire in 1998 and Doug and Lou moved to Bowser, BC where they built their dream ocean front home. Sadly Louise left us on July 5, 2006 and Doug moved to White Rock several months later to be close to his daughter who took over from Louise and helped with Doug’s needs for the past seven years. In late 2007, Cathy accepted a position in Victoria, and moved to the Island. A month later in December, Doug moved into Halliday House in Parksville and stayed until April 2013 when the disease forced him to live out his days at Victoria Hospice with his daughter Cathy and her partner Doug (and their dogs) by his side. Doug never complained about the disease, even when times were bad. He was an incredible man who was kind to everyone, and never forgot where he came from. He will be missed by many friends in Hudson, QC and Parksville, BC, colleagues and business acquaintances worldwide as well as extended family in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, BC, and England. Thank you to Beren Finesmith who stepped in immediately after Louise passed and helped care for him for eight months. A special thanks to Doug’s friend Bill Gibson who visited him every week even when Doug was unresponsive, Bill took time out of his life to visit. Many thanks and big hugs to the staff at Halliday House (Catherine, Caroline(s), Gayla, Jennifer, Jessica, Judith, Irene, Millie, Sue, Wendy) who loved and cared for Doug, held his hand, comforted him, and gave him dignity. They were like family to him and he adored them with all his heart. Thanks to Doug Clements, who treated Doug with so much respect and love, and cared for him until the very last days. And finally, to all the nurses and doctors at NRGH and those at Victoria Hospice who cared for him in the end. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Doug’s name to Halliday House. Address: 188 McCarter Street, Parksville, BC, V9P 2G6. One month ago my Dad called me from his suite at the nursing home and said “I want to go home”. You are home now Daddy. I love you. RIP Location of Funeral Service: Halliday House 188 McCarter Street Parksville, BC City or Stations worked: Montreal |