Wayne Arthur Dawson

In his 76th year, Wayne passed away suddenly in his sleep at his home in Ottawa on Monday, June 9, 2025. 

Best friend and doting husband of Carol (Hill) for 52 wonderful years. Easily taking the award for best dad and grandpa for his endless support and encouragement, he was adored by his only daughter, Kristine, and only granddaughter, Kalayla. Whether it was watching soccer in the cold or traipsing around southern Ontario dance competitions, there couldn’t have been a prouder grandpa than Wayne.

Wayne was always unendingly proud of his “three girls”, enjoyed his time bonding over sports with son-in-law Nicholas, and cat sitting his two grand cats Mittens and Snowball.

Born in Lindsay, Ontario, on June 18, 1949, to Dorothy (Avery) and Rev. Cecil Dawson. Wayne had a deep connection to his faith and United Church faith communities in the various places he lived throughout his life, such as: Long Sault; Knox St. Paul’s in Cornwall; Grantham and Mountainview in St. Catharines; Cummer Ave in Toronto; Three Willows in Guelph; and First United in Ottawa. He served on too many committees and boards to mention - but he always led with kindness and a strong sense of ethics.

Wayne was happily resigned to being the regular subject of friendly family jokes. It was also very important to him that he maintained close relationships with family, including sister Janice (Scott) McDonald, brother Richard (Caroline) Dawson, brother-in-law David (Nancy) Hill, sister-in-law Beth (Robbie) Horne. Uncle Wayne was beloved by all of his nieces and nephews, including: Jonathan, Danon, Gavin, Mark, Karen, Matthew and Erin, and great-niece Claire.

A loyal Queen’s University graduate, Wayne’s career was always supported behind the scenes by Carol. He had a long and successful career with the St. Lawrence Seaway, including as Director of Operations, and he retired as the Vice-President of the Ontario Cement Association, in Toronto, in 2008. To Wayne, his colleagues were more often like friends or family.

He was a late blooming lawn bowler with Highland Park, serving on the executive, and even winning a tournament in 2024. Wayne was also a regular member of his condominium coffee time group. After retirement, he followed Carol into her many volunteer endeavours, often supporting soup kitchens for the unhoused.

Wayne and Carol developed many friends all over the province throughout his numerous moves, both as a preacher’s kid, and then either for his career, or as they followed Kristine throughout her career progression. Sometimes Wayne also developed friendships simply just for being Carol’s husband. He never minded. He will be missed by everyone.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 13th from 5-7 pm at Tubman Funeral Home Nepean, 3440 Richmond Rd. Funeral to be held at First United Church, 347 Richmond Rd, Saturday, June 14th at 10:30 am with reception to immediately follow. For those unable to attend the service in person, First United Church will also be livestreaming through Zoom

In lieu of flowers, e-transfers may be made in support of the Westboro Region Food Bank, housed at First United Church: treasurer@firstunitedchurchottawa.org.