Harry DOWSETT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DOWSETT: Harry Lyle passed away suddenly after a brief illness at the Minnedosa Hospital March 16, 2009 at 74 years of age. Dad was born in Basswood, Manitoba on July 14, 1934. He grew up on the family farm and attended Cameron District School. Harry and Elsie were married in 1958. They made their home in Minnedosa and together they raised four active children. Harry worked at the Minnedosa Tribune as a printer for 20 years before he purchased the Bus Depot and Restaurant in 1972. Dad was very fond of the staff that worked at the Dowsett's Diner. He attended each of the girl's graduations until he sold the restaurant in 1983. Dad became a custodian at Tanner Crossing School and Minnedosa Collegiate where he knew every student. Dad enjoyed his work, especially at the High School where he was commonly referred to as “Grandpa Harry”. He retired from the school division on August 31, 1999. This allowed him to become more active in the Legion. He was an avid member of the Gen. Hugh Dyer Branch #138 holding various positions, twice being president. You could always find him opening the clubrooms to play crib and exchange loonies with the guys. In the early fifties dad served with the Manitoba Dragoons the local reserve regiment. In 1961, Harry followed in his Grandfather's footsteps and was elected to the School Board for six years. In 1967, Harry was elected to Minnedosa Town Council where he served 13 years, the last seven as Deputy Mayor. Dad cared deeply about the community and was chairman of the 1983 Centennial Celebrations. After Mom passed away in 1993, dad and Betty Burton shared their fondness for their grandchildren travelling together to numerous hockey, soccer, rugby games, music and dance recitals. They shared vacations together travelling to the west coast, east coast, south to Branson, and North to Churchill visiting grandchildren, friends and relatives every chance they got. Betty's love of bowing rubbed off on Dad, and he took it up with a passion, bowling every chance he could. They played crib, yahtzee, and games too numerous to mention. Dad will be sadly missed by his brother Jim Dowsett, friend Betty Burton, children Doug (Karen) Dowsett, Jim (Donna) Dowsett, Tanny (David) Pollon, Barry (Barbara) Dowsett, grandchildren Jon, Lyle, Kane and Brenda Dowsett, Lee-Anne (Peter) Adams, Jami, Cody, Brandi Pollon, Telecia and Maxon Dowsett, great granddaughter Hazel Adams. Harry was predeceased by his wife Elsie, Infant daughter Trinda Lee, Parents Herbert and Myrtle Dowsett, sister in laws Gwendolyn Dowsett, Ruby Graham, brother in laws Ken and Hugh Bradshaw and Eldon Graham. A service to celebrate Dad’s life was held on Monday, March 23, 2009 at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre, Minnedosa, Manitoba, with Elgin Hall officiating. Interment was at the Minnedosa Cemetery. Donations in Harry’s memory can be made to the Minnedosa Palliative Care Unit or Cancer Care Manitoba. Minnedosa Funeral Service was in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 23, 2009