Skip to main content

John Dawson - 1934-2013

Old Sedberghians from all periods of the school's history will be saddened to hear of the death of John Dawson. John's loyalty to Sedbergh especially through his yeoman service to the Sedbergh Foundation is little known by past students. For many years, John worked tirelessly as the Secretary of that organization offering a vast knowledge of everything that was required to keep the Foundation legally on track. His manner to his colleagues was always soft and caring, his smile engaging, and his laughter contagious. And all this was bound up in efficiency "par excellence" because John always dotted the "i's" and crossed the"t's"

On a personal note, many years ago,as a young boy in a school of hard knocks, I learned to respect "J.D". because as a senior at Sedbergh he looked out for me, listened to me, and gave me good advice. I have never forgotten that. And that's the way John has always been. I shall miss him.

We send condolences to all John's family and friends.

The following Obituary has been sent to a number of daily papers in Canada:

DAWSON, John Howard

1934 - 2013

John passed away peacefully on July 1, 2013 at the age of 78 at Chateau Westmount.

A lifetime Montrealer, John graduated in law from McGill University in 1960. There he met the love of his life, Julia Frances Adams, who he married on a brisk October day in 1961. They were blessed with 4 children.

John spent a short time as a family lawyer before he joined Standard Life Assurance Company, retiring 27 years later after attaining the position of Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

John spent many years enjoying sailing, cross-country skiing and biking with Julie and friends. His keen love of curling in the Chicken League led him to serve on the Board of the Royal Montreal Curling Club as secretary for many years. Other Boards upon which he served were Grace Dart Hospital, Lake Manitou Improvement, Sedbergh Foundation,and Prospect Belvedere Services Corporation. He was also a Governor of the Montreal General Hospital. John and Julie loved to travel and took several wonderful trips through North America and Europe, camping, eco-cruising, and biking. John was an active member of the Mountainside United Church as a trustee, elder, and driver for "Meals on Wheels". His summers since his birth were spent surrounded by family and friends at Lake Manitou in the Laurentians and the last weeks before his stroke, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren swim in the sun. John was happiest when he was surrounded by his family, making music, telling stories and laughing at terrible jokes.

Beloved husband of Julie for 51 years. Loving father of Andrew (Beth),Lynne (Christian), Barbara (Morgan), Michael (Livia) and Grampy to George, Katie, Sandi, Emilia and Audrey. Also survived by his brothers Arthur (Helen) and Douglas (Heather) and many nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to thank the staff and nurses of 14W at the Montreal General Hospital and Chateau Westmount for their quality care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory could be made to Mountainside United Church, 687 Roslyn Ave. Westmount, QC, H3Y 2V1

A memorial service will be held in August at Mountainside United Church (details to follow).