DAWSON: J. Blair
Posted By On November 2, 2021 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 12 Comments
Suddenly at his new home in Goderich, shortly after his 90th birthday. Predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Dawson of Ottawa, brother John of Ottawa, sister Lois of Godfrey, son Thomas of Aurora, and Doreen (nee Kern) his wife of 58 years, in 2013. Survived by sons Michael (Jane) of Goderich, William (Anne) of London, and James (Lori) of Balsam Lake, Ontario. Blair and Doreen have 10 grandchildren: Grant, Connor, Andrew, Cameron, Gordon, Sarah, Beth, Katherine, Leah, and Nicholas.
Blair grew up on the west side of Ottawa, on Silver Creek, where he developed his lifelong passion for the outdoors. He began university in Guelph, where he met his life partner Doreen, made many lifetime friendships and played many sports, making the varsity teams in both basketball and football. He found his calling while obtaining his Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology, which led to a long and storied career as a biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Ontario. He was instrumental in setting up the salmon sport fishery in the Great Lakes, and headed the programs to reintroduce the giant Canada goose and wild turkeys to Ontario. His book, Studying Mammals, was a staple in Canadian classrooms for decades. He and Doreen raised their family in Aurora, and introduced his boys to many activities including hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, skiing, basketball, and football. The family joined Beaver Valley Ski Club in 1967, as charter members, and "the valley" became the second home for three generations of Dawsons.
Retirement brought more time to ski, travel, play tennis with the Aurora gang, and summer at the family cottage on Big Gull Lake north of Kingston. Never one to sit still, Blair started Wildlife Enterprises, a business combining outdoor journalism, consulting, and wildlife photography. His column, "Science Scan," was a regular feature in Ontario Out of Doors magazine for many years. Recently moved to Goderich Ontario, Blair kept busy following sports and working on another book about travel and viewing wildlife across Canada. He was still driving and living on his own until the end. He was larger than life, a character, and will be sadly missed.
A celebration of Blair’s life is planned. Donations in Blair’s remembrance can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, inquiries at [email protected]
Condolences for the family of “DAWSON: J. Blair”
Condolences to Blairs family.
Sorry to hear of Blair’s passing — he was an old colleague of mine at MNR and he and Doreen were also my neighbours in Aurora. My sincere condolences to the Dawson family for their loss.
He was quite character and the central character in many fun MNR stories amongst many of us. Great fun memories.
Sincere condolences to all the Dawson family from the Cocker family. Blair lived life to the fullest and will be missed
Your dad sounds like he enjoyed a full life!!! My condolences!
Sincere sympathy to all the Dawson families. Blair and I shared love of travel and nature, and I treasure the Newfoundland book he gave me. I trust that memories will sustain you at this sad time.
Lois Ottewell , Resident, Harbour Hill.
My sincerest condolences to the Dawson family. I worked with Blair for several years and marvelled at his passion for the outdoors. Hunters and fishers in Ontario can thank Blair for many of the opportunities we now have. He will be missed. God bless
I was so sad to learn of Blair’s passing.
I first met him when i was a Conservation Officer
with Lands and Forests in Orangeville and later
with MNR in Orillia. Blair was our Regional Biologist
at the time.
He was an amazing biologist, friend to all including me.
He contributed so much to Fish and Wildlife Management.
Thank you Blair…for all that you did for me and all that you
did for the people of Ontario.
God Bless You
I have never forgotten you…nor will i for the rest of my life
Dave
Very sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. He was on the interview team when I first entered the MNR. I always admired his passion for the job and I looked to him as a role model.
Kerry Coleman
As the youngest member of the Falk family I remember many times with the Dawson clan skiing at Beaver Valley and Christmas Eves together. We still tell stories of the black crow that was a Dawson family pet but would dive bomb us as we walked past the house. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers go out to all of you at this time.
We have fond memories of Blair with the Grandparents ski group at BV Ski club and his annual fish fry for us grandparents.
Bill % Shirley.
This explains why we haven’t heard from Blair for a long time! We sorry to see that he has gone, as we looked forward to his Spring turkey hunting visits in The County, every year, which included good food and conversation.
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My heartfelt condolences to all the Dawson Families. I know this is a sad and difficult time but the memories of your Dad and Grandfather will help you all during this difficult time.
Doreen and Dave