With great sadness, we announce the passing of Walter Dawson, our beloved Husband, Father, and Papa. Left to cherish a lifetime of memories are his wife of 42 years, Helen; sons Scott (Amanda) and Kyle (Michelle); daughter Samantha (Gary); his Wee Princess, Granddaughter Callen and his Wee Man, Grandson Dawson. Walter also leaves behind brothers Robert (Mary) and John (Ruth); sisters-in-law Ailsa and Jane (Joseph); brothers-in-law Thomas (Rosemary), Joseph (Anne Marie), and Jim, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

 

Walter is predeceased by his sister Jean; brother-in-law Peter, and his brother Tommy. 

 

Born and raised in Glasgow, he was one of many Glasgow children that had to walk the 5 miles to school, uphill both ways in his wellies, in all weather - rain or shine. Walter tolerated school, and loved to kick a ball aboot with his pals. His favourite part of school were the school dinners, and he remembered vividly his teacher's comments on his report card "Walter is inclined to be a dreamer". In between the transition from school to work life, Walter met the love of his life, Helen. He began his apprenticeship at the age of 15, as a cabinet maker, and there his love for all things wood began. As he started earning his own money, his taste in footwear shifted from his worn out wellies, to his pride and joy, his big red platform shoes. Those paired with his flared trousers (the wider, the better) and a fashionista was born. 

 

After following the love of his life Helen, Walter arrived in Winnipeg in the summer of ‘79. The sun was shining, the mosquitoes were biting, and they never stopped for the next 42 years. Helen and Walter were married in Winnipeg in September of 1979 and Walter began another apprenticeship with the Winnipeg School Division, where he earned his Red Seal Carpenter's Certificate, and remained employed there for the next 33 years. During his years there, he formed many lasting friendships, even though many of his workmates struggled to understand him, and wondered what language he was actually speaking. Most recently, Walter was employed by The City of Winnipeg, and enjoyed his brief time there doing what he loved most. 

 

Fitba (soccer) was one of Walter's greatest passions - if he wasn't watching it, he was playing it, and that is where he met many of his lifelong friends and partners in crime. No longer fit to kick a big ball into the back of the net, Walter and his buddies turned to the wee ball and 18 holes. Like his friends, Walter loved all things golf, and most recently when Covid hit, they tried to devise a plan to use the golf cart and still be socially distanced. A couple of his friends had a bright idea that perhaps a clear plastic shower curtain and rod was the answer. You can only imagine what the outcome of this would have been.

 

Walter and Helen with the wee ones in tow, visited family in Scotland as often as they could, and enjoyed hosting family when they visited Canada. Walter hated the cold weather, especially the snow, and all the shoveling involved so he liked to escape part of the Winnipeg winters whenever he could through cruising the Caribbean, and visits to Mexico and Cuba with family and friends.

 

Walter's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo biography above. Please also consider sharing your own photos, memories and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

 

In accordance with Walter's wishes, cremation and a private celebration have taken place. No formal service will be held.