I first met Bill Dawson in September, 1969 during our first day of dental school.

For some reason, we hit it off quite quickly even though I was a rural Saskatchewan boy and Bill was a big city Winnipeg boy.

We studied hard during our first year, but Bill and I, along with some of our other dentistry buddies definitely enjoyed doing a bit of partying. We went on a dental school exchange to the U of A in the spring of 1970. A fun memory was when Bill favoured a cute little nursing student from the U of A who I managed to steal away from him. I’m not sure that Bill forgave me, but he was as usual his humble self, cursed me a couple of times, and then laughed it off.

I wasn’t in the military program during our first year of dental school but Bill was one of the people who convinced me to give it a shot. I joined at the start of our second year. We had many good times at CFB Borden during our summer military training. Bill and Clay were one step ahead of the rest of us because they had learned how to march in their air cadet days.

When Lillian and I were married at the beginning of our third year, Bill was kind enough to help us furnish our little apartment with some of his family’s old furniture. I think we bought a couch, chair and a TV for $10.

Bill and I were both posted to CFB Winnipeg when we graduated. During those two years, we spent a lot of time with Bill and Judy. After that, Bill was posted to Gander and we were posted to Victoria. Following that, Bill went into his private practice in Winnipeg and we went to Stettler, AB.

We were both starting our new careers and for a few years we didn’t get together much except for a few ski trips to Lake Louise. Bill and Judy did visit us in Stettler as well as Calgary. During that time we learned that one of Bill’s favourite singing groups was “Pink Martini”. These albums are wonderful to have as my special memory of Bill.

I wish I would have contacted Bill more often in the past few years. I was looking forward to seeing Bill at our dentistry 50th reunion in Victoria, but unfortunately Covid got in the way and prevented us from being there.

As many other individuals have mentioned, I would have expected Bill to be one of the last people in our Dental Class to pass. His love of life and constant commitment to good health should’ve kept him with us for many years to come.

Lillian and I want to wish you all the best Brigitte and hope that you will make your great memories a source of comfort to you.     Jim and Lilian Casey

In September 1969, Bill & I began our 4 years at UofM Dental College. We were fortunate to be in a class that formed extremely close friendships. This friendship extended to our girlfriends--later wives. A plan was hatched for the 4 of us to tour Europe.

Bill, Clay, Gord & I joined the Armed Forces to ease the financial strain of Dental School.  Little did we know Basic Training was part of the process.  It certainly made Men of us. 

A year after Graduation the 4 of us were off to Europe.  Wonderful memories & hilarious times were had as we drove from Dieppe to Paris to Malaga to Switzerland & back to London. Even as we listened to Bill floss his teeth in the car to pass the time--- when he wasn't honing his driving skills.

Bill experienced many ups & downs in his life, all faced with grace.  We couldn't have been happier for Bill when he met Brigitte.  Their idilic life together filled with adventure on Summertime was a joy to follow.

We shared many hours chatting  on the golf course.

In September 2023 our class held our 50th Reunion!!! Amazing weekend. Of course the Army boys had to salute the occasion.  Bill, Brigitte, Barb & I even found time for the Foodie Tour.

Over these many years, we have been fortunate to share so much of what life has to offer with Bill.  Brigitte, your loss is heartbreaking.  

Love, Ken & Barb Howie

My memories have been flooding back as the grief sets in, it’s both overwhelming and comforting. Some I had completely forgotten about. Cousin reminded me of when he was teasing us for our new nose piercings, “boogers” as he lovingly joked. Uncle Bill wasn’t just my uncle he was my dentist as well. I always loved to brag how when I go to the dentist I get a home cooked meal, jump on the trampoline and ride the Quad. My orthodontia started early. I was trying out instruments to join my Junior High band and was set on the Clarinet until Uncle Bill got word, it quickly changed to the Flute. No way was I going to play the Clarinet after all the work put in correcting my bite. Now every time someone compliments me on my beautiful smile, I will look up smiling and say Uncle Bill did that.

You were my hero Uncle Billa Billa, now you are the wind beneath our wings…and sails 🪽⛵️💔😭 

Dear Bill, 

You entered our life just a little after you entered Brigitte’s… We were first introduced in Whistler where you joined Brigitte and Don joined me for a couple days of skiing after a meeting. It was the first of many occasions where you and Don would spend time together while Brigitte and myself spent our days in work meetings all over the country.

We became ski buddies and did multiple ski trips together (including during our honeymoon ;). I will always remember the look on your face when you and I saw first end the force of nature while a mountain of gigantic ice cubes was built in a matter of minutes beside our house. It was April 1st, but not an April fool. I am happy we shared so many good times together. Thank you for sharing a part of your story with us. Love, Natalie

My dear, dear friend Bill,

For us down here, we’re celebrating my birthday, AND,  Fiona and I will always celebrate yours with us. We share much more than a birth. From the first day I met you I saw we shared a strong work ethic, pouring sweat in the heat, beefing up your dilapidated barn in trade for you fixing my dilapidated teeth! We shared a love of nature, setting our tipi up in your yard to camp in. And we shared a love of the Truth, and a love of Love itself that showed in our book shelves. That love came through so obvious in simply the way you were a dentist, not to mention a friend, father and husband. 

You had/have a maturity of ‘Spirit’ that is rare, where you displayed a faith in life itself that seemed to guide you, fearlessly, into the adventure of life, relationships and love (and damn good food). I don’t know if this maturity was a result of the loss of Peter and then beloved Judy but you displayed it again, in your surrendering to your final Earthly fate with your beloved adventure soul-mate Brigitte.

What secrets about God, life, trust and faith did you know and maybe were not even conscious of? But that maturity of Spirit made it easier, in a way, to let you go, back into the hands of creation, with a confidence and trust, however frail, that, yes, it will all be, as you said, OK. You were always fixing and giving. And this was maybe one of your greatest repairs and gift – that it will all be, in the end, OK. But forgive us, for we ‘hurt’ down here. It hurts so bad to lose those who teach us so much about life and love.

I wish we could have talked on the phone during your last days, like I talked to Judy,  birthday boy to birthday boy, I would have told you I love you, dear friend, as I told Judy, and you would have reciprocated and we would have felt the joy and sadness of eternity in our hearts. But that’s OK (as you said). You can’t hide from me, Bill. We both know where you are…

filling all those sails out there in the vast ocean of love and mercy.

Happy Birthday my dear birth brother, and I'll hug your beautiful Bridgette when I see her at your Happy Hour.