Debbie was educated at Sedbergh for several years before going on to King's Hall, Compton from where she graduated. She spent two years at Queen's Gate in London, England and followed that with undergraduate studies at Queen's University in Kingston. She settled in Toronto and became a Registered Financial Planner, starting her own business, which she led successfully until her death. She was a Governor of the Sedbergh Foundation and a Board member of MDRT, the financial group which works to improve ethical practices in the investment business.

She was known as an astute and dedicated financial advisor.

Debbie lived her life passionately, always with energy and joy.

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:

Old Sedberghians of all decades in Sedbergh's history will be saddened to hear of the death of Derek Crossen.

The following obituary appeared in the Montreal Gazette, today, April 25th, 2013:

All Old Sedberghians will be saddened to hear of the death of Archie Jones, past teacher at Sedbergh.

The following are excerpts of the Obituary from the Montreal Gazette: