William DEWAN

DEWAN, William J. Born: North Bay, Ontario October 4, 1924 Died: Edmonton, Alberta August 24, 2002 As it must to all men, death came to Bill Dewan on August 24, 2002. He is survived by his wife Claire (nee Parent, of Ottawa, married in Netly, England August 12, 1952); and four daughters, Marie Dewan (Tom Levesque), Taisie Dewan-Gado (Gary Gado), Eleanore (Curt) Goulet, Louise Dewan; and grandchildren, Peter Dewan, Monique Levesque, Kathryn Levesque, Jesse Gado, Noah Gado, Celina Gado, Dylan Goulet, Roxanne Goulet and Chad Goulet. He is also survived by one brother, Reverend Father Lawrence Dewan O.P., of Ottawa. In 1949, Bill began his career working for the Ottawa Journal as a reporter and copy editor. In 1959 he accepted a position in 'Public Relations' with the Canadian National Railways in Moncton, New Brunswick. Over the 29 years that followed, Bill worked in 'Public Affairs' (as it came to be called) in major CNR centers including Montreal, Detroit, New York and finally Edmonton where he retired in 1988. Bill continued to apply his public relations skills by working part-time for the Department of Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Bill's devotions were God, his family, friends, and people in general. He had a particular gift for speaking to people and drawing out 'their story'. Bill had many stories of his own to tell, not the least of which include those regarding his many successes and failures on the golf course and at the race track. Bill lives on in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Bruce Ritchie and Dr. Doug Strilchuk; and to the staff of Medical Outpatients at the University of Alberta Hospital and the Palliative Home Care nurses. A Memorial Mass will be said on Friday, August 30, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church (7508-29 Avenue), celebrated by Reverend Lawrence Dewan O.P. and Reverend Leo Floyd. Inurnment will take place at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery at a private family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends who so wish may make memorial donations directly to: Ritchie Research Fund (9-130 CSB, 8440-112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7). Connelly-McKinley Ltd., 10011-114 Street, (780) 422-2222, to send condolences: www.connelly-mckinley.com