Kenneth DOBSON

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DOBSON: Kenneth Leslie Dobson Jan. 9, 1932 – June 30, 2011. “Don’t be sad that I am gone, be happy that I was here”With the sun reflecting off the waves and the breeze rustling through the trees we remember with much love a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Kenneth Leslie Dobson. Ken was born in Fairfax Manitoba, the only son of Murray and Arva Dobson. He attended school in Fairfax and completed a degree in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba. He farmed near Fairfax until 1970 when he and his family moved to Carberry. He worked for Simplot until his retirement. He is sadly missed by his wife of 57 years, Donna, his children Brad (Bonnie), Karen (Egidio), his grandchildren Mitchell (Halle), Diana, Laura, Brian (Brenda), great- grandchildren Jonny and Celeste and by his faithful companion Benji. He loved all his family and friends dearly. Ken possessed an amazing gift of being able to create or repair almost anything. His mechanical skill appeared early in life – if some piece of equipment or tool he needed didn’t exist, he would make it. His home workshop became the source of beautifully crafted furniture, pictures, and decorative items his family and friends will always treasure. His summers at Clear Lake among his family and many friends have created treasured memories for all of us. He spent countless happy hours repairing cabins for neighbors as well as building his own. Everyone was welcomed to happy hour on the deck. His golfing friends will always remember their many hours spent on the course and in the clubhouse. He loved working in his yard looking after the lawn and garden while Mom tended the flowers. He loved to travel to new places and always had stories to tell of trips to Mexico, Jamaica, Hawaii, Costa Rica and throughout Canada and the US. A memorial service was held in Carberry United Church on July 4 with interment in Carberry cemetery, Rev. Peggy Reid officiating. If friends so desire, donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Carberry Palliative Care Services.When I’m GoneWhen I come to the end of my journeyAnd I travel my last weary mile,Just forget if you can, that I ever frownedAnd only remember the smile.Forget unkind words I have spoken;Remember some good I have done.Forget that I ever had heartacheAnd remember I’ve had loads of fun.Forget that I’ve stumbled and blunderedAnd sometimes fell by the way.Remember I have fought some hard battlesAnd won, ere the close of day.Then forget to grieve for my going,I would not have you sad for a day,But in summer just gather some flowers And remember the place where I lay,And come in the shade of the eveningWhen the sun paints the sky in the west.Stand for a few moments beside meAnd remember only my best.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 13, 2011