DAWSON ROBERT WOLK

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DAWSON ROBERT WOLK April 16, 1973 - July 14, 2017 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Dawson Robert Wolk in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Dawson will be deeply missed by his parents, Dawson and Lynda, daughters, Jessica and Emry, brother Cory (Monique) and family, along with the Wolk clan of Regina, the Ivison clan in Winnipeg and Calgary. Dawson was born in Montreal, Quebec and moved to Winnipeg at the age of eight. He graduated from Kildonan-East Secondary School in 1992 and was anxious to begin his trek into the working world. His desire to work with his hands set his course and while he tried a number of different ventures, he became a Red Seal journeyman Ironworker with Local 728 of Winnipeg, a job he loved and excelled in. Through his work, Dawson got to visit many remote Northern locations across western Canada and was at home whether working high above on big steel or on the ground. Dawson was working at Keeyask as a foreman, at a large hydro-electric project underway in Northern Manitoba at the time of his passing. His love of his family, especially his daughters, the North and the untapped potential that the North represented were his true passions. While his journey on earth is over, Dawson's spirit and strength will live on through his daughters and all who knew him and loved him. His smile and optimism were great traits and even when things were gloomy, he had a way to put things into perspective and change the mood in such a positive way. A true gift to say the least. We draw strength from such character as he exhibited and we're all so proud and honoured to have had Dawson in our lives. The family wishes to thank his "other" family, Local 728, all the ironworkers, and other tradespeople that have been so kind in helping us deal with our sorrow by sending condolences and posting notes on Facebook and other media. While we don't know many of you, believe it when as a family this outpouring and support have sustained us through this painful period. Also all of his friends in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas, too many to name, your thoughts and caring and posts have helped soften the difficulty of dealing with such a loss. We cannot thank you enough. A private viewing will be held in Abbotsford as per the family wishes. It is too early to plan a "Celebration of Life" in Winnipeg at the moment, so please be patient and give the family some time to heal. Rather than send donations to a charity of one's choice, the family would simply ask that you remind your loved ones just that - that you love and treasure them and tell them often. Dawson had a poetic side to him that a lot of people didn't know. Here is one of his favoured verses that he had heard before and we wish to share. It is entitled "Don't Grieve". Don't grieve my Family and Friends For I'm not gone I'm merely out of sight For in everything you've shared with me A part of me burns bright In my family and loved one's smiles Or gestures You'll recall a time or place We've laughed or loved or shared such That mere absence cannot erase So smile for me And laugh for me And live your life with zest Do treasure all our memories I offer you my strength Go on with life and be proud of me In you I have such faith..

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2017