Obituary of Dawson Switzer
Dawson William Switzer of Brandon, Manitoba passed away peacefully on Father’s Day, June 18, 2023 with all of his family by his side after fighting a courageous battle against cancer.
Dawson was born on June 20, 1948 in Shoal Lake, Manitoba. Dawson is survived by his loving wife, soulmate and best friend Adeline “Addy” Switzer, his children, Becky (Rob) and Jeff (Kate) and his grandchildren, Brandon Switzer, Mackenzie Switzer, Ella Switzer and Emma Switzer. Dawson is also survived by his beloved sister Colleen Switzer, his dear close friend Jon Bagley, his sisters-in-law Marcy and Ronnie, nephew Trevor and nieces Tannis (Bruce), Carrie Lee (Russ), Zoe and Jennifer. He was predeceased by his parents, Sydney Clare Switzer and Dorothy Ethel Switzer.
Dawson was born and raised on a small farm in Strathclair, Manitoba and quickly learned the value of hard work, being loyal and strong moral ethics. Alongside his beautiful wife Addy, they owned and operated businesses in Brandon, Minnedosa and Neepawa. One of his many accomplishments was being recognized with the Manitoba Restaurant Association and serving as President. Later in his career Dawson took on the role of Yard Foreman for Westman Ariel Spraying, working alongside his best friend Jon Bagley for 14 years. Dawson then spent 12 years working at Roseneau Trucking as a Warehouse Supervisor where he retired from”work” at the age of 73, on June 20, 2021.
Dad was a very proud husband, Dad and grandpa. He was determined (“Switzer stubborn”) to live life on his own terms following his cancer diagnosis and did just that. In August of 2022, Dad came close to saying goodbye, but that “Switzer stubbornness” is a strong trait and he established some milestones throughout the year to reach in order to keep his spirits strong. He came so close to the final three, one of which would have been his 75th birthday. With his mind strong, Dad made every decision about his next steps and ultimately even his last step, taking his final breaths in comfort and surrounded by his loved ones at his side.
Dad would remind us during our conversations of two phrases that exemplified him as a husband and a father. He would state the “the wheel always makes a full circle” which in many moments would cause us to take pause and think about the person, the situation, or the road ahead. Lastly, he would always remind us to “Take care”. We will Dad, we love you.
Dawson’s family will be holding a private family ceremony and would respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 in his name.
“To know him was to love him”
