Gregory Rueben Dawson
Greg passed away suddenly at home on June 22nd. He was 58 years old. What he did in those 58 years has touched many. Born in Durban, South Africa, Greg accomplished much. His role in life was that of educator, first as a high school teacher then a business trainer. He loved the Boy Scout movement, becoming a Springbok Scout and then leading scout troops. He served in the military in South Africa, but most importantly, met his beautiful wife Louise there. In 1995 they immigrated to Canada landing in Calgary, Alberta, where Greg first worked at PBSC as an applications trainer, and earned his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification. He then worked for Fraser Milner Casgrain as IT support. While in Calgary Greg co-wrote a Microsoft study guide for Windows Server 2000 and, most importantly, honed his skills fly fishing, making fly fishing flies, and building bamboo fly fishing rods. Greg loved fishing and his iconic green Tilly with hooks was a constant advertisement for that. He loved the outdoors and he loved watching British soccer. Greg and Louise moved to the Yukon in October, 2005, where Greg took on the role (his first of many) of Business Architect for Northwestel. Greg was many things to many people… a friend, mentor, teacher, co-worker, leader, and the list goes on. With this list and through his humour and wit, Greg managed to deliver what was needed every time. His community involvement included volunteering for the Yukon River Quest, Rendezvous, and serving on the board of Many Rivers. Greg touched the lives of so many. It is because of his zest for living life and sharing, and his incredible humanity that he will be missed so dearly by so many.
Cancer touched Greg through his mother and wife, so a fund has been set up for the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Donate Here
An online stream of Greg Dawson’s Celebration of life will be held on Zoom. The details are as follows:
Time: Jul 18, 2020 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/4085238930?pwd=eUY2akhISVBGMEJ5SXd1Nkszc2ZLUT09
Meeting ID: 408 523 8930
Password: 220587
Loretta
Dear Louise,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. If you just need an ear, or a walk to breath, please feel free to call
Sending You caring, love, and virtual hugs
Loretta
Gary Seed
Greg was such a great guy, with so many entertaining stories, perspectives and experiences. He was one of those people you meet that you never forget. A real character who touched whomever he met, and who tried and succeeded at so many diverse activities. My condolences to Louise and family on your loss, and to the many friends of his at Northwestel. I’ll miss Greg, and seeing that glint in his eye as he crafted the twists and turns of yet one more story.
Alain Guilbault
Greg was special to me through the 20+ years we knew each other, first as a colleague, then as a friend. We never lost touch completely and I feel we rekindled our friendship in the later years. I enjoyed a special canoe trip up in Whitehorse one year then a road trip from Alaska just two years ago. He was very generous with his time and I always enjoyed our phone calls. Greg was a mentor in so many ways, his outlook on life, the value he placed on living in the great outdoors and with his family and friends was an inspiration to me. I could never thank him enough.
Leslie McRae
Louise, I’m so sorry to hear this tragic news. I worked with Greg at Northwestel for 13 years. We shared the same birthday which was a funny little bonding moment when we first met. Greg was one of the best people to work with because of his intelligence, empathy, and sense of humour. He could always see and enjoy the small absurdities of corporate life. He will be missed and remembered with a smile.
Ronald Borsholm
I worked with Greg a number of years ago at NorthWestel and always looked forward to our talks. Lots of interesting stories and life experiences. Very sad to hear that he has passed but he will live on in my memories of the Yukon and the time we worked together.
Matthew Sills
Hello Louise. My deepest condolences. I also worked with Greg at Northwestel and remember him with great fondness. I always relied on him for unbiased, straightforward advice and opinions unencumbered by corporate propriety.
Michele Connors (Bell IT)
I only had the opportunity to meet Greg (virtually) in the last few months as part of a project he was working on between NWTel and our Atlantic Bell team (I am in New Brunswick). Even in the short time I knew him, he impressed me with his incredibly positive and helpful approach, his dedication to his work and his technical depth of knowledge. He was so patient when helping me understand more complex technical challenges, and always brought a few laughs to the team while he did it.
My heart goes out to you and I am so sorry for your loss. Greg was clearly a special guy and he definitely made an impression on me – he is someone I won’t forget.
Please accept my condolences.
Transin Park
Louise, my thoughts are with you during this very sad and difficult time. I hope you know how much Greg loved you and that you could do no wrong in his eyes! He loved the north (camping, fishing, etc.), and it sounds like he was surrounded with a great community of friends. He recently became my manager and always had good stories to share (sometimes slightly embellished, which I could always tell because of his guilty chuckle). Greg will be missed….
Deb Frizzell
I loved working with Greg, both for his expertise and knowledge, and for his wonderful story-telling and sense of humour. I have never heard him say an unkind word about anyone, which is truly a wonderful quality. Condolences to you, Louise
Dan Grec
Greg was always smiling and always had a positive word to say (even when I didn’t!)
I consider him one of my best friends from my time in the North, and I’m truly sad to hear of his passing.
He genuinely made my time in the North better.
As long as I live I’ll never forget when he get me involved in the Yukon Quest and together we manned the checkpoint into the wee hours at the end of the lake.
I miss you buddy,
John Rasmussen
Hi Louise, Sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He was a great guy, sorry we lost touch after the old PBSC days. I did run into him once later on and he told me how you still use the Christmas ornaments we made for everyone back in those days.
Robert Dunn
I really liked Greg. I didn’t work directly with him much, but I did run into him allot around the various buildings and after hours functions. The twinkle in his eye and his way of seeing the bright side was contagious. I will miss seeing him around. My condolences to you and your family Louise.