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GARTH DAWLEY
Born: Jun 26, 1933
Date of Passing: Jun 01, 2020
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GARTH DAWLEY
June 26, 1933 - June 1, 2020
Garth was born to Gladys and Bert Dawley June 26, 1933. He was raised in southern Manitoba on farms in the Souris area of Manitoba.
His early life gave him a strong sense of community, hard work, love of the prairies and nature. He told stories about his family gathered around the radio listening to the news and the story programs of the day. His dad was a gifted award-winning horseman. His mother had a love for reading and books. Gladys encouraged her daughter and son to read. Garth developed a very strong passion for books, devouring several weekly for many years. When reading a book, the rest of the world went away and Garth was totally immersed in whatever he was reading. He often credited his reading comprehension and passion for books as the foundation for his future success in his career.
Garth's first job off the farm was with the Wawanesa Mutual in Wawanesa, MB, boarding at the local boarding house where he met the love of his life, May (Gullett). Sparks flew and they were soon married April 19, 1952, later moving to Brandon, MB, where Garth and May started their new careers.
Garth joined CKX in Brandon as a staff announcer in 1952 just before the television. In 1955, Garth didn't even own a TV yet when that station entered into this new media. He felt privileged being part of the community shaping this new visual communication. Garth rolled up his sleeves and tested his abilities in nearly every position, writing, research, interviews, recording and how to use that great voice on air. He was host of talk shows, Bingo, commercial work and yes, News. These early years gave him such depth and respect for this broadcast medium.
Following the birth of their first child in 1957, Garth and May moved to Regina, SK, where they increased their family size over the next few years to two girls and one boy.
In Regina, he worked for CKCK for nine years, developing his on-air skills and how to use that gifted baritone voice to convey the message the news story required.
Garth often spoke of his fond memories of Regina. The Roughriders of course were a big part of the community and several of the players were neighbours. Wascana Winter Club was also a big part of the family's early years. May and Garth developed great friends in Regina and enjoyed their lives there.
Garth was very active in the Saskatchewan community. He cheerfully gave of his time to many volunteer opportunities. Garth was elected to the School Board, where he used his respect of people and their perspective to mediate the end of the first ever Teachers Strike.
CBC came calling and Garth accepted a position as staff announcer in Winnipeg in 1966. His duties included morning radio, TV, interviewing and writing. He often wrote or rewrote his scripts with his very speedy two-finger typing and was actively involved in all areas of the station.
Later came 24 Hours, the flagship news program which he is most known for. He won an Actra Award for his news broadcasts, and it was the #1 news show in the province for many years when he was involved. The other team of professional on-air faces changed throughout the years and included Murray, Arvel, Don, Bob, and Scott and so many behind the scenes specialists. He was proud and honoured to work with such professionals.
At CBC, he met many who would become his lifelong friends. He treasured those friendships throughout his life and had so many fascinating stories of interviews with celebrities and one of the family favourites, the cheetah that got loose in the building. So many stories from a great career. His friends at CBC often met at Rae and Jerry's for lunch (cocktails) and stories. Several became fishing buddies and the stories continued with Ivy, such a treasured friend always teasing about that snoring.
Garth became President of CUPE just in time for the strike. The picket line became like a big family event, with May sending cookies and Ivy sending soup. Again, Garth's negotiating skills and respect for opinions was a key factor in the resolution.
In the early 1990s, Garth was appointed by the Prime Minister's Office to the first Regional Commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The telecommunication revolution made for interesting times and hearings throughout the country. He studied and learned a new language, acronyms.
Garth travelled Canada extensively, as well as part of the States with meetings and formal CRTC broadcast license hearings. He remained in touch with several of his colleagues of this time in his life and felt it a privilege and an honour to work for Canada. His love of Province and Country was so evident in his memories and stories of that period of his career.
Throughout his life in Manitoba, he gave generously of his time to his community - KW Hockey Coach, Timer for Seals swim meets, Beer and Skits, Science Fair judge, CBC Christmas fundraisers shows and so many speaking engagements, all of which he gave his very best - "any thing worth doing is worth doing well".
Garth was a dedicated and very proud family man. Anyone who knew him knew of his love and pride in his family. May and Garth celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in April. He was so proud of his wife; all who knew him knew this well.
May and Garth treasured their many years on Galinee Bay before retiring to the condo. Galinee Bay neighbours hold special memories for the entire family. May and Garth built their own in-ground pool, 16 x 30. They did most of the work themselves, with family and neighbours helping to hold in the liner as it filled. Great neighbours, treasured memories.
Regular Dawley family dinners were suspended during COVID, when get-togethers consisted of porch visits from six feet away. Grand-puppies were always welcomed and enjoyed too.
Family dinners were regular bi-weekly events, with May being the best organizer, baker, preparing meals always looked forward to and enjoyed. As the family grew, so did the table. That dinner table lengthened in somewhat creative ways so that EVERYONE had a seat at the table.
Politics, local and current events, catching up on family news were all loudly discussed and often debated, where everyone was allowed to be who they were and accepted for their differences and opinions. As the numbers of grandkids grew, so did the post-dinner games. Laughter always filled the evening. A true gift for the whole family was to have so many memories and to know how they were loved and accepted for who they were and always encouraged to reach for their goals.
Garth managed his ALS with dignity, humour and the strength of character he was known for. ALS's first symptoms are often losing your voice. His baritone voice disappeared to a loud whisper for the last few years only occasionally stronger. However, through the final weekend, that voice returned for family to hear so clearly, with more stories and humour and to feel his love and acceptance. It was a true gift, for which the entire family is so grateful.
His family left to cherish his memory: May Dawley, his loving wife of 68 years; children, Cindy, Kevin and Cori and Allan Yakiwchuk; grandchildren, Shannon and Chad, Kelsey and Kyle, Spencer and Darien, Jordan, Chris, and great-granddaughter Sydney; big sister Helen Kinley and her family, cherished nephews and their families; brothers-in-law, Jack Gullett, Vern Vestby and all of their families; and the Leverington families.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Deer Lodge Centre in his memory if you are able. Garth was Vice Chairman of the Deer Lodge Centre years ago and he was proud of his work with them and the work with seniors that Deer Lodge is so respected for. He also spent his final hours in the Deer Lodge Hospital.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Andrew Dyck for his compassion, and Dr. Benjamin Fultz, Pat Cossette and Sarah Jane Friesen for their warmth and guidance.
An interment will be held June 10 at Chapel Lawn, respecting COVID rules. Friends and extended family are welcome to contact family for further info.
Garth's Facebook page will be updated with memories and photos during the coming weeks and opened to all.
"Be good kids, don't fight" "Be good to one another, until we meet again"
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2020
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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To the Dawley family. Apologies I had only recently become aware that Mr. Dawley had passed some three years ago. As a 5 year old child, my family moved from rural eastern Manitoba to Winnipeg and bought a black and white Viking television. I was fascinated by the news and my Dad always watched Garth Dawley on CBC Winnipeg. To this day I can vividly remember when Mr. Dawley announced in his baritone voice that St. Boniface police constable Leonard Shakespeare had billed killed in the line of duty in 1969 in the course of trying to stop a robbery not three blocks from the then St. Boniface police station. Mr. Dawley represented the model of what I though a journalist was and should be. Sincerely, David Podolchuk. - Posted by: David (Big fan as a child) on: Dec 15, 2023
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Many years ago when I lived in Winnipeg and was doing theatre and radio and film in the city - I met Garth Dawley. It was purely by chance - one morning I came into the CBC building on Portage Ave. with a herd of other actors - we were there to do a radio play. I had had something in my eye all morning and couldn't get whatever it was out. As the rest of the people signed in I was rubbing my eye like a maniac trying to get myself sorted. Garth Dawley came down the stairs, carrying his briefcase. "I've been watching you," he said to me. "I can see you've got something in one of your eyes. I've had things in my eye too. It's annoying." He set his briefcase on the counter, opened it, and inside were papers, pens, lozenges, eye drops, it was packed with something for every eventuality. He pulled out some Vizine and said, 'apply liberally.' And I did - and after emptying half of the bottle into my eye - I finally found relief. I thanked him, he smiled and said, "happy to be of service." And off he went. I think about his kindness on that morning - every now and then - and how much I appreciated it - how it was just right. Condolences to the family - I can't say I knew Garth Dawley but I encountered his kindness and I had the feeling that he was filled up with kindness that he offered to friend and stranger alike. RIP GD. - Posted by: Peter Smith (we met) on: Jul 07, 2020
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I got to know Garth when he was involved in CUPE. We worked together on the job evaluation committee. He was a real gentleman. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: GLENN GRAY (Co-worker) on: Jun 11, 2020
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My condolences to the family. I have many wonderful memories of seeing Garth and his friends at Rae and Jerry's, he was a wonderful man and I was glad to know him. All the best, Karina - Posted by: karina (favorite rae and jerry's waitress) on: Jun 08, 2020
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Shannon, so sorry to read about your grandfather's passing. Had many fun memories of playing at his house on Galinee when we were in school. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Shirley (Shannon's old schoolmate) on: Jun 08, 2020
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I just happened across this notice and it certainly had an impact. Very sad to learn this news. We didn't know Garth personally, but my husband and I grew up in Regina in the 60's and have vivid memories of Garth's on-air presence and velvet voice. Those CKCK personalities were rock stars! Thank you for sharing your memories of a wonderful man with a life filled with love and achievement. His passing will touch so many hearts. - Posted by: Karen Diamond (Reginian) on: Jun 07, 2020
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I had the privilege of working with Garth both at CKCK in Regina and CBC Winnipeg. He was always a real pro and a gentleman, My sincere condolences go to the entire Dawley Family. RIP Garth. - Posted by: Brian Lawrence (co worker) on: Jun 07, 2020
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Cori, Kevin. Cindy and Mrs Dawley plus families. I am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man. I remember him working in the back yard while Cori and I were swimming in the pool. He’d join us when he got hot and always made me laugh because he’d leave his sunglasses on even while swimming underwater! I am thinking of you all at this time. Fiona (Galinee Bay) - Posted by: Fiona webster (Galilee Bay Friend) on: Jun 07, 2020
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I first met Garth in Ottawa at the CUPE Broadcast Division Convention. I teased him for being a Red Tory as I presented a personalized NDP lawn sign. We had a chuckle and I gained a real respect for him. - Posted by: Armand Roy (Friend and union brother) on: Jun 07, 2020
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Cindy, all my sympathy. You know how much I appreciated your Dad when at the CBC. Hoping that you have wonderful memories of him. Take care of yourself. - Posted by: Jacqueline Blay (Colleague) on: Jun 06, 2020
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I was doing an open house at a condo in Westwood several years back when I heard this booming voice that brought a flood of childhood memories. It was like I was back in my parents’ living room where Garth could always be heard at news time. I approached Garth, told him the story and to be honest, I was kind of star stuck! I got to know Garth and May and was lucky enough to help them sell their special Galilee Bay home and buy the wonderful condo that they lived in. Garth and I would email periodically to chat about life and real estate. He was the epitome of a true gentleman and he will always hold a special place in my heart. - Posted by: Lori Hopfner (Realtor/Friend) on: Jun 06, 2020
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I joined CBC Winnipeg in 1979 to work on a network radio program called Canada Watch. Garth was the announcer. I was very much in awe of him from his work hosting 24 Hours. But he turned out to be a very down to earth guy and a professional in every sense of the word. He left a lasting impression on me that you should show up for work ready to do your job. I've tried to uphold the Dawley Principle every day of my working life. My condolences to Garth's family and friends. - Posted by: Laurence Wall (Colleague) on: Jun 06, 2020
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I met Garth through Lee Major, and only knowing him by his work, was awed by his warmth and friendship as a personal acquaintance...I don't fish, but a couple weekends in his company doing so remain among the most wonderful memories. Friday afternoons with Garth and Lee...Laughter, learning, Life.....If you only meet one "Garth" in a lifetime....it's worthwhile.... - Posted by: don percy (friend) on: Jun 06, 2020
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SAT. JUNE 6/20 SORRY YOU'RE GONE! LOVE TO YOUR WIFE/FAMILY/EVERYONE! YOU JUST MISSED YOUR BIRTHDAY! THE FEDS. SHOULD GIVE IT TO THOSE THAT PASS...JUST BEFORE THEIR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. THANKS FOR THE CBC COFFEES! -CHATS. MY RADIO BUDDIES-TV-BUDDIES- ARE PASSING ME BY! SOON-I MAY BE "THE ONLY ONE LEFT"! I BID YOU PEACE AND LOVE FELLA-ON TO THE NEXT LIFE-AS WE "TRAVEL BETWEEN THE ETERNITIES"..CHARLIE - Posted by: CHARLES SCOTLEND (RADIO FRIEND/PERSONALITY.) on: Jun 06, 2020
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Garth was a true class act and we feel lucky to have gotten to know him over the years. We will always remember seeing him at his grandchildren's sporting events and the pride he had in his family. We are sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Barry, Angie, Brooklynn and Collin Yakiwchuk (family friends ) on: Jun 06, 2020
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My sincere condolences to the Dawley family. When I started working at CBC in 1972, I vividly remember being so impresed with Garth's perfect diction, grammatical skills....and how much the camera liked him. He always took time to answer my questions on how things work.....for which , especially during my first few months at CBC, I will always be grateful. Again, my deepest sympathy. Ms Frankie Glickman Victoria BC - Posted by: Ms Frankie Glickman (CBC colleague) on: Jun 06, 2020
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I was privileged to work with Darth for a while at the CBC in the 1980's. He was a gentleman and a great person to have as a colleague. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: phil mowatt (former colleague) on: Jun 06, 2020
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Before the days of the Internet, families relied on the nightly news to bring them information from around their province and from around the world. Garth Dawley, with his calming presence and strong voice, guided us through life’s turmoils and made us smile through its joys. We trusted and respected him. What did Garth say ‘ was a common refrain, as his newscast was discussed at the dinner table and at work or school the next day. He became part of the fabric of our lives and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to hear and see him on our television so many times. My deepest condolences to the Dawley family and friends. His voice will never be forgotten. Sincerely Grazia Prochazka - Posted by: Grazia Prochazka (Grateful Viewer) on: Jun 06, 2020
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Cindy, Shannon, Sydney and the rest of the Dawley family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of meeting Mr. Dawley. A gentleman with a great sense of humour. I know your wonderful memories of your dad will hold you all together through this very sad time 😔🙏 - Posted by: Marlene Kuleza (Past co-worker of MH) on: Jun 06, 2020