Memorial table set up in front of council chambers at Red Deer City Hall for Councillor Michael Dawe, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2023. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

moment of silence

Red Deer city council remembers councillors Michael Dawe and Frank Wong during meeting

Jan 8, 2024 | 10:26 PM

In their first meeting of the new year, it was also Red Deer city council’s first meeting without Councillor Michael Dawe sitting in his chair around the horseshoe.

Council began their open portion for the public with a moment of silence for Councillor Dawe and former city councillor Frank Wong, both having passed on December 24 and 27, respectively.

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In a special item addition to the agenda, each councillor shared fond and tender memories of the two prominent Red Deerians.

As many noted in Dawe’s memorial service on Thursday, council emphasized the 67-year-old’s passion for the people of Red Deer, knowing deep family histories of residents at the top of his head and always taking time for others.

READ: Hundreds of central Albertans pay their respects to “Red Deer’s Beloved Son”

Councillor Cindy Jefferies was just one of those Red Deerians, sharing how both their family members grew up together.

City Manager Tara Lodewyk remembered working closely with Dawe as a city employee, one of the first people she met when moving to Red Deer, and his generosity in helping her learn everything there was to know of the city he loved.

“What I will always remember Michael best for is his genuine kindness, compassion, and humanity. He loved people – and never hesitated to help someone in need or to meet with a concerned citizen about any issue,” said Councillor Vesna Higham, as she wrote in a social media post.

During their time in opposing provincial political parties, Councillor Victor Doerksen said he will never forget how Dawe warmly welcomed his wife back to events after she had to spend a year and a half away for personal reasons. Doerksen said Dawe consistently checked in on her, regardless of ideological differences but simply because he cared.

Even with numerous accolades for his work at Red Deer’s museum and, in particular, his contributions to municipal and provincial archives, Councillor Dianne Wyntjes said he was a man of humility. Preferring to observe rather than speak, she said he had a “quiet leadership”.

Councillor Kraymer Barnstable touched on that point, stating that during council, he interpreted Dawe’s silence as being “inactive” during meetings. As he wondered what Dawe was thinking during divisive topics, he says he realized that during his silence, he was formulating the perfect encapsulation of council’s diverse opinions.

“Part of council, we have a timer on our workstation. We’re limited to how much we can talk. I’m not sure Michael ever used his 10 minutes, but I’ll tell you what, when he spoke, if the rest of council had a listening clock, we would absolutely listen to each word he said because he often spoke with care and concern for the community and, in really so many ways, Michael had it right,” said Councillor Bruce Buruma.

Beyond the thoughtful and detailed thinker was a witty man of dry humor, Councillor Lawrence Lee joked as they often poked fun at each other, he said.

Mayor Ken Johnston also noted this character trait, having had Dawe as a client in 1996 during his days in the banking industry. He soon referred to Dawe as “the most famous man in Red Deer”.

“Michael is going to be looking out over our entire city now. Michael’s earthly ministry, if you will, was to cradle this community in his hands and to treat it gently and with respect, and nurture it and build it, and write of it, and praise it and correct it when it needed correcting. Micheal’s new role now, is to watch over our city with that protective love that he always had,” he said.

Having also served on council with Wong, Johnston remembered his humorously blunt nature as a councillor, constantly reminding the now-mayor that he “never knew when to shut up”.

Wyntjes echoed this statement, noting his honesty and generosity for the community. Organizing many projects with the Mustard Seed, then-Loaves and Fishes, Wyntjes says he never flaunted his contributions.

Lee also remembered Wong’s stubbornness, as they served together on the Red Deer and District Chinese Cultural Society. Wong was a dedicated member for over 30 years.

Lodewyk said that while he too was quiet in his endeavors, he was pivotal in drafting most of the city’s subdivisions with his knowledge and attention to detail.

Many councillors shared that even after Wong’s time in council, he ensured to frequently meet residents for coffee, to connect, and keep the community together.

Higham shared a bittersweet realization that not only did Wong and Dawe serve on council together, but they grew to be great friends, enjoying the pleasant moments and visiting each other during their individual health struggles.

“That closeness just brings me some solace that the two of them are connected in heaven together. They were close friends in life, and I trust that they are now close companions in the hereafter,” she said.