W. Earl Dodds

W. Earl Dodds passed away peacefully January 10, 2009 at Sherbrooke Nursing Home in Saskatoon. Earl is survived by his wife, Ila of sixty-six years; son, David (Erika) Dodds of Saskatoon; and grandchildren, Janis Dodds of Saskatoon and Marnie (Craig) Olson of Glasgow, Scotland and their mother, Diane Dodds of Saskatoon. He was predeceased by his parents, Winfred and Ethel; his young brother, Orville; infant grandson, Bryan Dodds; and by many close friends. He is also survived by his cousins, Ethel Wolfe, Norval Thompson, and June Fines, all in Ontario. Earl was born on December 3, 1915 at Craik, SK on a farm bordering the Skwao Valley. He attended local one-room schools, ultimately graduated from Teacher's College in Moose Jaw, then taught in one-room schools before teaching grades 7 and 8 in the town of Craik. In 1939 he joined the Canadian Forces where he became a pilot instructor for the Commonwealth Air Training Program. While stationed in Prince Albert in 1943, he married Ila Raymond, who had been a bank teller in Craik. Following the war, he worked with the provincial Department of Natural Resources as a bush pilot, conservation officer, and finally as regional supervisor. He was an accomplished carpenter, building a house in Prince Albert, a house at Green Acres, and a cottage at Emma Lake. He had a great love of music, playing the baritone with the army band and the PA city band and piano with the PA Legion singers. In retirement, he offered his services as a piano tuner. Funeral Service will be held in P.A. at Mackenzie Funeral Home on Thursday, January 15th at 11:00 a.m. and Veteran's Honours will be conferred by the Royal Canadian Legion and lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, Earl's preference is a donation to the Legion, 133 8th St. E. Earl's family are grateful for help from several home care workers and special thanks go to the staff at Reminiscent Way, Sherbrooke Nursing Home for their excellent care, kindness, and support. Arrangements in care of MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME. 1310353