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BORN
January 09, 1932
DIED
October 06, 2024
Harry DOSSO Obituary
Harry was born January 9, 1932, on a farm near Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. In 1946, his family moved to a farm near Chilliwack BC. Money was tight, so Harry left school to work at nearby hop fields while also helping run the family farm. After two years he returned to education and went on to complete high school in Chilliwack, then BSc and MSc degrees in Physics plus a year of Teachers Training at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver.
Harry financed his university studies working as a CPR train porter. The train had a stop in Moose Jaw SK where his sister Ann was in nurses training and introduced him to fellow student Martha Sawatzky: Harry and Martha were married December 29, 1956, in Swift Current SK. In 1957, Harry graduated from UBC and took a position teaching physics at Victoria College and the couple moved to Victoria where their four children were born between 1958 and 1962.
In 1963, Victoria College became the University of Victoria (UVic) and Harry became a University Professor. Since he didn't have a doctorate (not required at Victoria College), he used his UVic research and a sabbatical leave to complete a PhD in Geophysics at UBC in under two years. During a 40-year career at UVic, Harry was an internationally-renowned researcher in geoelectromagnetic induction in the earth and oceans. He served as Head of the Physics Department (1969-1975) and as Coordinator of the Physics Co-op program (1975-1996). He travelled widely with his work, including extensive trips (with Martha) to the USSR and China during the Cold War when western visitors were uncommon.
Harry was a long-time member and leader at Central Baptist Church in Victoria, where he was elected to the Board of Management for 28 years, serving as Board Chair for 6 years, as well as chairing the Design and Construction Committees responsible for building the present 700-seat church auditorium and parkade in 1998.
Harry was a loving and devoted husband and father, and a kind and generous man. From his farming background he was an adept gardener and could fix almost anything, mechanical or electrical. He particularly enjoyed family camping trips on the coast and in the mountains, taking the kids swimming in the ocean and lakes no matter how cold.
Harry is survived by his wife Martha; by his children Lorna, Stan (Shelley), Ken (Frances), and Joan; by his 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and by his sister Edna (Lloyd). He is predeceased by siblings Helen (Olaf), Mary (Joe), Kay (John), Hilda (Don), Ann (Grant), and Edward.
The family thanks the caring staff at Kiwanis Pavilion. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday October 12 at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Baptist Church in memory of Harry Dosso for the Building Improvement Fund. Funds can be given at the service, by mail to the church, or by email to [email protected].
Memories and Condolences
for Harry DOSSO
7 Entries
Ramaswamy V
October 14, 2024
Dear Martha and family.
This is Ram and Padma from India.
SALUTATIONS TO MY GURU(Teacher)Prof.Harry w.Dosso. . Great soul Indeed. Shared a few golden moments with him in
June 2023 in Victoria after 46 long years.Our heartfelt condolences. We will miss him for ever.
Alex Wong
October 11, 2024
Dr. Dosso was a very fair and a very good man to work for. He was the one who hired me when I graduated. I sure missed him a lot. Sorry to hear the sad new. My heart and thoughts are with the family during these difficult times.
Alex Wong
Larry Park
October 10, 2024
The Dosso family grew up on Sutton Road just four doors up from where I grew up. A quiet family that were often seen doing evening walks and runs around the neighbourhood. I remember playing in their backyard growing up. My deepest condolences to Lorna, Stan, Ken and Joan. Larry Park
Don Stenton
October 10, 2024
Having spent 39 years working with Harry in the department of Physics and Astronomy was a career privilege. His devotion to the early development of the department was of primary interest when the university was first perceived. By 1975 Harry was instrumental in the introduction of the co-op program and continued to provide direction and service throughout his career. I´m proud to have been a part of his life. I offer condolences to his family and friends.
Roel Hurkens
October 8, 2024
I met Harry when he hired me in 1979 as one of the first two non-faculty co-op coordinators at UVic. He was a staunch supporter of the concept of cooperative education, particularly the department-centered model which was developed at UVic. He was a very fair and reasoned in his approach, and a very good person to work for. My deepest sympathies for his family and friends.
MARY ANN BERGEN
October 8, 2024
Dear Martha and family,
My sincerest sympathy to you and your family on Harry's passing. He so deserves eternal rest. Hope it brings you comfort to remember that Harry is now beyond hurt and worry, in a place of perfect peace. When Matilda and I call one another on the phone, I always ask her how each one of her siblings are doing. Always like to hear about all of you. Take care of yourself.
Your cousin, Mary Ann Bergen
Greg Crawford
October 8, 2024
I had Dr. Dosso as a prof in a few classes during my BSc at UVic, back in the late '70s/early '80s. I remember him as a strict-but-fair prof (which I very much respected) and a fairly quiet leader among the Physics faculty. There was also integrity. And while he often seemed quite serious, occasionally you'd see the warmth and kindness that was at his core peek out. When I think of him back in those days, I remember most that big, warm smile that could show up on his face when he was genuinely amused. My deepest condolences to his family.
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