David Gerard Dawson

David Gerard Dawson

March 30, 1963 – September 5, 2024

His family is very sad to announce that David Dawson (Dave) passed away peacefully on

September 5, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton. He was in his 62 nd year.

Dave is survived by his mother, Donna Dawson; his sister Debbie and her husband Ken Fallis,

and their children: Amanda (John), Brandon, Raymond (Samantha), Jason (Sabrina), and great-

nieces Sophie, Hailey and Lily; and nieces and nephews: Ashley, Damian, Cody and Brittany.

Dave was the beloved life partner of Deb Molyneaux, who will miss him dearly.

Predeceased by his father, Donald Dawson and his brother Daniel.

Dave was born on March 30, 1963 in Bracebridge, and complications during delivery resulted in

Dave being born with cerebral palsy. He grew to be a healthy and happy young child on his

parents’ dairy farm, but then the difficult decision was made to have him accepted into the care

of Bloorview Children’s Hospital, where he could receive all the therapies and education that

would help him live his life to the best potential. When he turned 18, he moved to an adult

home, Sunbeam Lodge in Kitchener. Participation House in Binbrook opened a few years later,

and it was Dave’s home for many years, until the opportunity became available to move to an

Able Living apartment and live more independently, which he greatly enjoyed.

Dave always had great faith, and was of very strong character. He loved his sports teams, he

loved to laugh and enjoyed a good joke, and he lived his life to the fullest.

He especially liked to swim, because it gave him the freedom of movement that he didn’t

otherwise have. And although he could not speak, he became very proficient with both his bliss

symbol board, and his voca talking machine, so communication was always possible. Until it

became too difficult for the journey and stay in Bracebridge, Dave enjoyed many visits and

holidays in Bracebridge with his parents, and was always overjoyed to see family and friends.

We are forever grateful for the fabulous care that Dave received in all of his homes throughout

the years. In most recent years, we especially are thankful that Steve and Tim, and all the staff at

Able Living York were a part of his life. We also thank the members of his church, Our Lady of

the Assumption, who were a very special part of his journey in faith.

We also wish to thank the many doctors and nurses who were part of his care, at Juravinski

Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital.

Friends and family are invited to visitation at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 63 Highway

20 East in Stoney Creek, on Tuesday, September 10 th , 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Funeral mass will

follow beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Cremation will take place, and final resting place will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in

Bracebridge, Ontario, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to AbleLiving – Thrive Group (Hamilton), or the Ontario Federation

for Cerebral Palsy, or Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital would be appreciated.