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Dawn Harris Obituary
HARRIS _ Dawn Kathryn (nee Knowles), with her family by her side, was suddenly and peacefully taken from us on March 29, 2006 due to complications after a long and courageous battle with scleroderma. Predeceased by her beloved father, Murray, her father-in-law, Linton and her grandmother, Nana B.; Dawn will be lovingly remembered by her adoring husband Tom, her four cherished children, Brittany, Tim (Kathleen), Cindy (Sal), Pam (John), her loving mother Helen, mother-in-law Adelaide, sister Robin (Al), sister-in-law Joan (Roger) and her dear nieces and nephews Chelsea, Alana, Colby, Jennifer (Neal), Holly (Neil) and Kim (Omar). Dawn had four beautiful grandchildren whom she adored: Patrick, Megan, Joseph and Hannah. Their Nana will be forever in their hearts and memories. Dawn was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, principal and teacher. She was a caring and compassionate person whose courage and never ending optimism was a source of inspiration to all who knew her. She never gave up, her immense strength and dignity set a wonderful example of how to live with an illness. Dawn had a unique way of making those around her feel special and important. Her friends and family were the joy of her life. She cherished each and every one of you! Dawn so loved being a mother and her greatest joy in life was helping and supporting her "gift" Brittany to grow into such a beautiful and caring person. She was taken from us way too soon and there are no words to describe how much she will be missed! "We love you Dawn, you will always be with us." Special thanks to the amazing doctors who helped with her care, Dr. Carkner, Dr. Lawson, Dr. Huang and the doctors and nurses at St. Paul's emergency and ICU. Your care and dedication helped us to hold on to her for as long as possible. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at 11am at The Coquitlam Alliance Church, 2601 Spuraway Avenue, Coquitlam. After the service family and friends are invited to gather to share memories and celebrate Dawn's life. Please join us at The Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club, 351 Plateau Blvd., Coquitlam. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dawn's memory to Children's Hospital, The Scleroderma Association of B.C. or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. "I love you Mommy, you will be forever in my heart and at my side as I continue my journey through life. " Love, Britt
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29 Entries
Eileen Jewitt
April 12, 2006
We are so sorry to hear this sad news.I just recently met Dawn in London ON. She looked so happy & just projected love & friendliness from deep inside.
I felt I had known Dawn for years through Helen & Robin as they so often,lovingly spoke of her.
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of the family & especially Helen & Robin.
Bob Perreault
April 11, 2006
Tom and Britt,
I am so sorry to hear of Dawn's passing. As Elinor said, we only knew Dawn for a short while (Mexico), but she was wonderful to talk to and had a great zest for life. I will always remember our shared time at the Rusty Putter. It was so much fun to see Dawn and Elinor shuffle the kids about the mini golf. My sincere condolences to the both of you.
Bob Perreault
Michelle Wood-Tressel
April 6, 2006
I was blessed to have Dawn as my teacher from 1982 -1987, she was my mentor for those 5 years and the university years to follow.How I adored her! Once I had kids that relationship turned into a very strong friendship.I was so fortunate to share birthdays, Christmas' and many lunch dates with Dawn.Dawn taught me so much, she was the most positive,purely honest person I have ever known.
Nothing was insurmountable to her! She was always there to guide me,laugh with me or hug me.THE WORLD HAS LOST THE MOST PRECIOUS OF SOULS!
Tristan and Meghan loved you and thank you for all the hugs and encouragement - they felt honored to always have their pictures on your fridge! Dawn, I loved you so much and will miss you forever.
To Tom and Brittany, thank you for sharing her with us!Her face would beam with love and pride when she spoke of both of you.
Joyce &Bob Burrow
April 5, 2006
Dear Brittany and family
We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom Brit.She was a kind and caring person who we came to know through your friendship with Annie Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Dave Harris
April 4, 2006
Tom and family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't image how hard it must be for you to loose the one you wanted to grow old with. I'm sorry I never got to know Dawn and after reading the wonderfull comments of family, freinds and former students in this guest book I realized how lucky you all have been to have her in your life. It is with profound sadness that I add my humble words to this very special guest book. How your heart must be aching.
(Cousin Dave)
Larissa Naylor (Terry Ann Watt's daughter)
April 4, 2006
Dear Tom, Brittany, Cindy, Tim and Pam.
Please know my thoughts are with you. My mom spoke very highly of Dawn and really enjoyed working with her. I can relate to the loss of someone so energetic, vibrant and giving at such a young age - please know that her energy and zest for life will be carried on, through you and your love for her.
Carol McIntyre and Gary Bradley
April 4, 2006
Dear Tom and family,
Gary and I were so sorry to hear of the loss of Dawn. We know how devastating this must be for everyone in your family, but especially for you Tom and for Brit who she treasured so much. I have such wonderful memories of our times together at the Unique Lives and Experiences dinners and speakers. Even during the drive from Coquitlam to downtown, she would have some wise words or stories about living each day to the fullest, letting go of past roles, learning to laugh about getting older and planning for new ways to enjoy our lives and the people we love. She was truly an inspiration and a wonderful role model for all of us.
Our thoughts are with you this week. Take care of yourselves. She would want you all to be happy.
Elaine, Rick, and Leo
April 3, 2006
Dear Tom, Brittany, Helen, and family,
It is difficult to deal with Dawn’s sudden passing; it is not difficult to describe her ability to touch the hearts of all who knew her, as evidenced by the entries in this guest book. Again, she touches our hearts.
We will miss her smile, her presence, and her conversations at the lake every summer to come.
Lisa Porcellato
April 3, 2006
My name is Lisa and I had the pleasure of being Dawn's Pilates Instructor at Port Moody Recreation Centre for the past few years. Dawn was a wonderful addition to our very fun and friendly Tuesday morning class. She will be missed, but not forgotten in our class. God bless the family of whom she spoke of very lovingly.
Yvonne "stretch" Meyer
April 3, 2006
I knew Dawn in High school and always thought she was a generous, loving individual. We competed together in high jump and numerous other events. I'll always remember her as a mentor and giving person. I wish you and your family strength and love.
Elinor Perreault
April 3, 2006
Although our meeting with Dawn was brief (on vacation in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico), she made a lasting impressions with us - her zest for life, her caring demeanor, and friendliness and compassion. Our son Chad has kept up a continuing communication with Brittany and learned of Dawn's passing from her. We are all deeply saddened to hear this sad news.
Marko & Andrea Krpan
April 3, 2006
Dear Tom, Brittany, Cindy, Tim and Pam.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Dawn was an amazing lady who will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna Brown
April 3, 2006
Dear Tom and family, My heart goes out to you all at this sad time in your life. May God hold you all in his hands to give you his comfort . Dawn was an example to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. SHe was one of Gods angels that gave her heart and hand to welcome all she met. I am thankful to have been one of those fortunate souls.
Andrew Corbould
April 2, 2006
I wold just like to convey my heartfelt sympathy to the Harris family. No words can make up for the loss of someone so loved but may the memories of happy times ease your pain.
For many years she was a customer at the store where I worked. I was fortunate to share many laughs about our families as they grew. When I entered the education field she was a great encourager and we traded many stories of experiences at school. I will truly miss this wonderful person.
stacie spencer-accili
April 2, 2006
mrs. knowles was my p.e teacher 20 years ago and i have thought of her often and smiled. there are few teachers you can recall so vividally and with happy memories 20 years later. i was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. i will always remember mrs. knowles' incredible patience, especially, when we "forgot" our gym strip, her endless energy and beautiful smile.
Steve and Holly Coble
April 2, 2006
Dawn was the epitomy of a kind and caring person. We weren't close friends but she touched our lives and will be missed. She always had a smile on her face and could seem to find the positive side of any situation. God Bless.
Pia DeCamillis
April 2, 2006
I am so sorry about the loss of Mrs. Harris. She was the best principal I ever had. I never saw her without a smile, and she was always super sweet, kind and friendly. I will never forget you Mrs. Harris.
Love,
Pia
Dennis and Kristen Charron
April 2, 2006
Good bye Auntie Dawn we miss you and love you. Uncle Tom and Brittany we are sorry about your loss.
Kristen and Dennis
Shannon Stewardson- Gombar
April 1, 2006
Dawn was truly one of the great people in this world. In all the years I knew her, I never saw her without a smile! The words of wisdom she spoke to me after the birth of my first daughter are embedded in my mind forever. Dawn, you were a gift to all who knew you, especially my "Uncle" Tom, and we will miss you very much. Our thoughts are with you Tom, Brittany, Pam, Cindy and Tim.
Cheryl & David Charron
April 1, 2006
Tom, Brittany, Helen & Robin:
We are so sorry to here about your sudden loss of Dawn. While it is no consolation for your loss, our heartfelt sympathy and support goes out to your family. As we personally know, sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and know that she will forever be at our side and close in our hearts.
Dawn was an incredible wife, mother, grandma, auntie and friend. Her friendship and support meant the world to me and she will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful teacher and gave so much as a terrific caring friend. She was an amazing woman who indeed made everyone feel so special. I am so lucky and grateful that she was such a big part of my life and I am going to miss her terribly, as will you.
If there is anything that we can do for you and Brittany please do not hesitate to call. You are a very special family to us.
With all our love,
David and Cheryl Charron
Cora, Bob & Sheila Verhulst
April 1, 2006
To Tom & Brittany:
We are sadden to hear the news of Dawn. Dawn was such a wonderful person. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Bob Sheila Cora
Keren Hardy
April 1, 2006
Hmm.. I am celebrating Dawn's life.
Am at the lake and all I can see is her beautiful, smiling face.
Tom, Britt, Helen...... My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Keren
Ila Sandwell
April 1, 2006
To Helen
My sympathy in the loss of your daughter Dawn.
~ Ila Sandwell
Shari and Allan Baker
April 1, 2006
You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you travel through this dark valley. Remember, even as we walk through this time, God is with us; in life, in death, and in life beyond death.
Dean Cardno
April 1, 2006
We are so very sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you, and we know how much you will miss Dawn.
Dean & Laura
Sheila Cardno
April 1, 2006
Tom, Robin, Helen
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Despite the miles I have always had a place in my heart for this wondeful compassionate lady.
Rick Sheppard
April 1, 2006
I will always treasure my fond memories of my cousin, Dawn. She was always caring and compassionate of others. She was insightful, articulate and generous. She will be missed.
Susan Ross
April 1, 2006
To Tom and Brittany
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Dawn.
Sue Ross & Ross Noble
Melody Wood
April 1, 2006
I am so very sorry Tom and Brittany for your tremendous loss!
We will miss her greatly and remember her lovingly as she gave us so much. She was indeed a significant inspiration as a teacher, mentor and good friend to my daughter, Michelle.
I am so grateful that we have been fortunate to have Dawn in our lives and she will forever be in our hearts.
My love and a {{big hug}}to you both!
My love and a {big hug} to Dawn's Mum. She was so very special...thankyou!
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