DAWSON, GORDON REX
Gordon Rex Dawson passed away peacefully, October 12, 2020, at the age of 93 years.
Rex will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his wife of 71 years, Marjory; daughters Koreen (Jim), Jane (Eric), Kathy (Don), and Liana: grandchildren: Shawna (Jason), Warren (Tracy), Lisa (Dan), Alison (Steve), Angela, Jeff (Alyssa), Jenna (Steve), and great-grandchildren: Mallory, Noah, Evan, Alex, Addison, Melanie, Avery, Lucas, Nathan,
and Dylan.
Rex grew up in Sunnyslope, Alberta. His Grade 11 and 12 education was taken in Calgary at Central Collegiate High School. His post-secondary education at Mount Royal was cut short when his father died in 1946. Studies resumed at Henderson College (accounting) after which he began his career in the offices of the MD of Mountain View in Didsbury (1948-1952). Rex married Marjory in 1948. Rex moved on to become employed by Motors Insurance Corporation (a GM company) (1952-1969) as an insurance adjuster, after intensive training in Flint, Michigan. This company took Rex and his growing family, from Didsbury to Red Deer to Edmonton. The job took him to all parts of the province, and required expertise and “investigative” skills. After receiving a promotion to the office into a “prestige” position at a subrogation desk in charge of Western Canada, Rex decided to go it alone. The desk and office was not for Rex. Rex and Marj left their Argyll community in Edmonton and moved their family to Westlock.
In 1969, Rex opened Rex Dawson Ford in Westlock and was part of the community and business world until it sold in 2003. Rex loved the business, his staff, and the community. He was 77 years old at the time it sold and said he had to “make the decision with his head and not his heart”. Among other dealer awards, the dealership received the “Time Dealer Award” for the province in 1987.
Over the years, Rex volunteered in many organizations and groups in the community. He was a Town Councillor, active in local and national car Dealers’ Councils, was a Director on the Board of the Motor Dealers Association, involved in Rotary, the United Church, and the Masonic Lodge, serving as Grand Master of Alberta for 2005-2006.
And as if that wasn’t enough, in his spare time Rex had a passion for photography, enjoyed woodworking, and piano. He and Marj also enjoyed travelling worldwide, great conversations, time with friends, and family celebrations.
Only Rex could turn a 24 hour day into 28. His work ethic was enviable. He was always interested, insightful, and informed, with a memory that was to the very end, like a steel trap.
To all Rex and Marj’s friends, business associates, community members, thank you for all that you have given in friendship, kindness, and concern. We extend our thanks to Dr. Chimich at the Glenrose Hospital. To the staff at Smithfield Lodge, the Westlock Healthcare Centre, Westlock Continuing Care and especially to Dr. M. Benard, the family extends our sincerest thanks and appreciation for all your care, dedication, and kindness during these “Covidian” times.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to: AHS Westlock Healthcare Centre Equipment Fund c/o 10220 – 93 Street, Westlock,
AB T7P 2C4 or AHS Westlock Continuing Care Fund c/o 10203 – 96 Street, Westlock, AB T7P 2R3.
An immediate Family Service will be held November 7, at 1:00 p.m. and those wishing to join the live streamed service please link on the funeral home website.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting westlockfuneralhome.com.
Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd.
780-349-3474
