Obituary of Gordon Dawkins

Losing a loved one, especially a parent is the most difficult thing to go through, even though it is one the certainties in life. I f you are wondering what the other certainty is I would say taxes So where do I start. my Dad? Even though mostly family members are present today I still thought it would be appropriate to mention my Dad's family. My dad was born in Stoke -en - Trent , England on Jan 31' 1936. His mother name was Kate and father Thomas. His father passed away prior to his 21st birthday. He has two brothers, eldest Thomas and younger brother Keith both deceased. He has survived by his three sisters, Margaret Watts of Kitchener and Mary and Joan. (England) My Dad has three sons and a daughter. Mike, myself, Steve and Leslie. He has 8 Grandchildren. Sara, Greg, Matthew, Alex, Jake, Jhorden, Ethan and Liam. Dad believe in marriage and was married for 24 Years to my mom and never did re marry My father was one of those hard working Dads. In England he was a Draftsman, we immigrated to Canada in 1969, where he worked a variety of different jobs, Kraus carpets, machine shop, Rumpel felt, Security Guard and also operated a rock crusher for a period of time. This is one of the the biggest lesson I learned from my Dad the value of hard work. unfortunately Dad was forced to retire early because of a heart condition. Dad loved to drive, I remember his big Chrysler New Yorker with the 440 motor and quadro phonic speakers, he loved that car. I don't think he was mechanically inclined like my brother Steve, I remember a time when we were driving down the highway and the engine blew up, parts all over the highway and smoke filling the car. We pulled over and my mom said let it cool down it will start and believe it or not Dad tried to start the car. Dad used to enjoy his pipe, I can see him now sitting quietly having a smoke, as he liked his quiet time. He enjoyed watching sports football ( soccer) baseball the bluejays, loved hockey, the Ottawa Senators . He always made fun of the Maple Leafs called them the Maple laughs. He also really enjoyed going to his local pub, Capers and Franky's he would have a few drinks and watch soccer with his many friends. I just recently learned that he had his own designated chair at Franky,s pub. Gord's chair, I am sure he will be really missed at the pub. Dad's favorite restaurant was Swiss Chalet he really enjoyed the sauce he would literally drink it from the bowl. When I was very young I remember we always had Christmas parties. Dad was always the life of the party. I remember he liked to dance, he had a particular dance style that I have used on occasion. He liked country music and Roy Orbison, in particular " pretty woman" He liked to dress up on Halloween, once as a women and a cave man. One thing both Mike and I will never forget was his black stinky socks, he used to throw them at us and they literally would stand up by the themselves. I also just recently learned a few things about Dad that I did not know. In England he taught Sunday School. With the children he build a small church that lite up. He also received a certificate of recognition from the City of Kitchener for his volunteer work in the community. He used to run the bingo at Rockway Senior centre., Kitchener My Dad was not a materialistic man he lived for the moment. He truly would give you the shirt off his back. As most of you may know my father never showed his feelings. Though he never said it out loud I know that he was really proud of what we all have become and accomplished. Dad loved his grand children and I am sure both Steve and Leslie can attest to that. Dad was not a large man but had a very loud bark, he would always stand up to what he thought was right. If you could ask him right now how he was feeling he would say " with my hands" ! And being that he was a very private person he would not be happy that I have been talking about him today, I can hear him saying " you are off my Christmas list" Dad past away at Freeport hospital after succumbing to liver failure on Thursday , May 24, 2012 at the age of 76. He is now in heaven with his other son Andrew who passed away at a very young age. Dad you will be missed...