Leo Shirey Dawson

October 1, 1927 – January 31, 2025

It is with love and gratitude for his life that we announce the death of Leo Dawson who passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 97, with members of his family at his bedside.

Leo was born in Mayerthorpe Alberta. He was raised on the family farm near Rochfort Bridge. He grew up the youngest of three children. He loved farm life, music, and nature. He attended elementary school in the community of Padstow. Later he attended high school in Sangudo where he lived in a dorm. This was an experience that he relished and spoke of often.

His parents encouraged him to take post secondary education rather than to stay on the farm. Leo began his education degree and like many teachers of that day taught during the school year and attended summer school to continue his training. One summer he attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Upon returning from Madison, he was offered a vice principalship in Fort Saskatchewan. Here he not only expanded his experience but he met a young teacher in her first year of teaching. After a whirlwind courtship Leo and Martha were married on August 22, 1959.

Leo went on to teach at Jasper Place Composite, complete a Master’s degree in Education, and take a position in Medicine Hat in the new junior college system in Alberta. In 1969 he accepted a position at Grande Prairie Junior College (now Northwestern Polytechnic)

Leo and Martha arrived in Grande Prairie with three children and an eagerness to embrace life there. A fourth child was born in 1974. Leo was involved in many organizations in GP – the Canadian Club, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity. GP Marching Band, MAPA’s band and St. Paul’s United Church. Later in life he took part in GPLT live theatre productions and Alberta 55 Plus Alberta Senior Games. When he retired to farming, he was active on the Kleskun Lake Grazing Reserve board.

To his children and grandchildren, he left a legacy of love for the land, hard work, learning, music, nature, and community involvement.

Leo is survived by hie loving wife of 65 years, Martha (nee Keeling); his four children Keeling (Betsy) of Waskatenau AB, Janice (Brad) Schneider of Calgary, Jarvis (Kim) and Jeremy both of Grande Prairie; and seven grandchildren Amanda “Mandy” (Shaun) Turcott, Jarvis (Neele Czaja) Dawson, Dustin (Keara Ducharme) Dawson, Dylan (Larissa) Dawson, Matthew (Kim Adams) Schneider, Jane (Drew Ferneyhough) Schneider and Robin Schneider; seven great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins all living in the United States.

Leo was predeceased by his parents Mabel (nee Shirey) Dawson and Ray Dawson; his brother Forrest and his sister Joy Kale.

The family wishes to thank caregiver Jack Ibardolaza for his home support and friendship from January 2019 to March 2024 and caregiver Frances Rose Bayot who nursed and comforted Leo in his last year.

A Celebration of the Life of Leo Dawson will be held on Monday February 10, 2025 at 11:00 am in St. Paul’s United Church 10206 – 100 Ave. in Grande Prairie, Rev. Gord Waldie officiating. A lunch will follow in the church auditorium.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation might be made to St. Paul’s United Church capital fund, Northwestern Polytechnic Foundation, or the Red Cross.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca

• Date : 2025-01-31
• Location : Bear Creek Funeral Home Grande Prairie Alberta

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