Red Deer City Hall, the Red Deer Public Library, and flags at half-mast to honour the late Michael Dawe, who passed away suddenly on Dec. 24, 2023, at the age of 67. Dawe was a current member of Red Deer city council at the time of his death. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Michael J. Dawe

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

Jan 5, 2024 | 1:22 PM

Hundreds of central Albertans gathered at Gaetz Memorial United Church and Parkland Pavilion at Westerner Park Thursday, to honour, remember, and pay tribute to a man many regarded as, “Red Deer’s Beloved Son”.

Funeral services were held for Michael J. Dawe who passed away suddenly the evening of Dec. 24, 2023, at the age of 67.

Dawe was a much beloved brother, parent, uncle, friend, councillor, writer, and archivist for the City of Red Deer, with a knowledge of the community that was second to none.

Dawe’s eulogy was read by former mayor and long-time friend, Morris Flewelling, who acknowledged Dawe’s congenial and folksy manner that Dawe was certainly well known for.

Flewelling touched on many stories of Dawe in the over 60 years the two knew each other, noting how generous Dawe was with his time, and also highlighting how Dawe was twice voted Red Deer’s “Most Beloved Citizen”, in addition to many other accolades Dawe accumulated over his years.

Red Deer Schools

RDPSD honoured with two BRAVO! Awards for excellence in communications

15h ago

monique lagrange

Judge rules against former Red Deer Catholic school trustee on first part of judicial review

15h ago

18-month suspended sentence

ASIRT: Officer's actions justified during Ponoka shooting in early 2022

16h ago

A tribute was also read by Rod Trenholm, who described Dawe as an old friend and a “National Living Treasure”.

He shared that Dawe led a life of public service, something that ran deep in his family’s roots, and as a result, Dawe now leaves behind, “a legacy of dedicated service”.

According to his obituary, Dawe served as a councillor with the City of Red Deer from 2017 until his passing. Among the many boards and committees upon which he served, Dawe was said to be the most proud of being a founding member of the Alberta Archives Society, as well as serving as a trustee of the David Thompson Health Authority, the Red Deer Hospital Board and being a 35+ year member of the Red Deer East Rotary Club.

Dawe’s obituary notes that condolences may be left for the family at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made in memory of Michael to the Red Deer Hospital Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Related: Michael Dawe, beloved Red Deer city councillor and historian, passes away at 67

—

Download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.