Harold Dootson
April 5, 1937 – October 4, 2015
It is with great sadness that the family of Harold Dootson announces his passing on October 4, 2015.
He is survived by his sons, Kevin and Dylan (Tammy); grandchildren Nick, Sophie, Mitchell and Garrett; his loving friend and companion Barb Uhl. He is also survived by sisters Irene Crabb, Mary Newton, Norma Lakusta (Dave), and brother Roger Dootson (Joan), and many loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents William and Adelaide Dootson and his sister Joyce.
Harold was the epitome of what Joseph Campbell meant when he said “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” Harold was definitely Harold; he was privileged and honoured to be a Dad and teacher and friend, and his courage and efforts to communicate this to all who visited him in his final days is surely testament to this. He contributed to his community in so many ways, and as a musician, teacher, father, craftsman and human being his presence will be missed. He loved his weekly visits to Tim Horton's and the Legion and the story telling and camaraderie he shared with his friends.
He taught English and Drama at the Ponoka Composite High School for 32 years, and following his retirement enjoyed his passions of archery and knife-making. He had an amazing constellation of friends though these pursuits, and they added so much to his life over the years. The knives and bows he crafted by hand, the stories he could tell, that voice. . . all that and so much more will be missed.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital for their compassion and care; it made a world of difference and his transition a dignified one. A huge thank you too to all those special visitors at the hospital and the blessing of having the love and support of such wonderful family and friends.
As a Dad, a teacher, a friend, he will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him. The family held a Celebration of Life for Harold Dootson at the Royal Canadian Legion in Ponoka on Saturday, October 17, 2015.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home