Joe Dawson
August 12, 1944 – August 15, 2021

To know him, was to love him.
If you cracked the code of Joe Dawson,
you have won his heart forever.
George Joseph Dawson, born August 12th, 1944, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 15th after the most courageous fight against cancer. He was surrounded by his beautiful and loving family, the one thing he cherished the most in life.
Beloved husband to Monique. Proud father to Jodi (Peter), Ashlynn (Ryan), Dan (Alyse) and Paul (Midori). Devoted step father to Christine (Eric) and Nick (Courtney). Loving and cherished “Grumpy” to Jordyn, Riley, Addyson, Ryder, Theo, Brooks, Kai, Makoto, Isabelle, Myles, Holden and Evangeline.
Joe loved human interactions and was fascinated with peoples’ life stories, perhaps one of the reasons he worked for 44 years as a Toronto police officer. His family begged him for years to retire, but his love for policing was deep rooted and he couldn’t walk away until he was ready. He was so passionate about his job, and literally woke up every morning excited to go to work. Known as “Smokin Joe” by most of his colleagues and friends at work, he took such pride in his platoon and where his inner teacher would come out. Before Joe became a police officer, he was a teacher for 5 years with the Toronto Catholic School Board, but always felt policing was his true calling. Joe ran a very “tight ship” around the division, demanding a lot from all his officers. He always wanted to see success and wanted each of his officers to be the best versions of themselves. Something Joe emulated in all aspects of his life.
Joe was the life of any party. Often seen working the room with a drink in hand, or spinning a complete stranger on the dance floor. He loved meeting new people and genuinely enjoyed finding connections with each and every one of them, some leading into lifelong friendships. Joe had a larger than life personality and you were drawn to him for his humor (sometimes very offside), his deep appreciation for life and his crazy story telling. He made it very hard not to fall in love with him.
Joe was deeply loved by his wife Monique and his two step children, Christine and Nick. Both Joe and Monique valued family time as the most important time above anything else. Their house is full of wonderful memories of many family gatherings, super bowl parties, father’s day celebrations, pool parties and Christmas dinners.
When Joe became a grandfather 16 years ago, his children asked him what he would like to be called, and naturally his choice was “Grumpy”. Which was the perfect name that embodied everything Joe believed a grandfather should be. A little rough on the exterior, but with the biggest heart on the interior. He took being a “Grumpy” very seriously, and always took the opportunities to teach his beautiful grandchildren life lessons that they will carry in their hearts forever. He adored his twelve grandchildren so much and loved spending time with them. Grumpy time was always the best time. It usually involved timbits, ice cream and a McDonald’s drive thru.
By far, his biggest and most proudest achievement in life would be his children. Daddio as he was mostly called, was their biggest cheerleader in life. He always had their backs no matter what. He was always their life line, their first phone call when they needed help, always there to pick up the pieces, and to help them move on. He loved giving advice to his children (sometimes unsolicited!) but most of the time his children would realize their Daddio was always right. Sometimes, it would take a few weeks, a few months or even years for this realization to take place, but Joe just loved it when it did and he didn’t let them forget it. Perhaps the reason why Joe fought so hard the last few months, is that he knew good news was on the horizon. His daughter Jodi, was promoted to Inspector with the Peel Regional Police, both his sons Dan and Paul passed their Captain’s exam with Brampton Fire and the biggest blessing of all was seeing his son Paul become a father in June.
It was no surprise that Joe’s children grew up and chose life partners that loved and adored him. Joe loved each of them with his whole heart, and treated them like his own children. He had so much love to give. In Joe’s final weeks, the love, the empathy, the kindness, the countless hours of being by his side that Alyse, Midori, Ryan and Pete gave was a true gift. Joe knew he was so loved by all his “children”.
Joe set the standards high for his children. Through his guidance, love and support he would always challenge his children to be the best they could be, to always rise to the top as a partner, a parent, a teacher, a firefighter, a police officer or a professional athlete. One of Joe’s greatest joys in life was watching his sons, Dan and Paul, play professional lacrosse. A true gift was that Joe’s wife, Monique was a flight attendant which allowed for Joe to travel across North America most weekends to cheer his boys on. It was a rarity for Joe to miss a game. He loved every moment of it, his face gleaming with so much pride.
Joe was so many things, to so many people. It’s hard to imagine how many lives he truly touched. He is a legend, a one of a kind that will live on in this incredible legacy that he has created. Joe is so deeply loved by his entire family and will be forever missed.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and PSWs who supported Joe over the last few years, especially the last few months. Thank-you to the incredible care Joe received from Dr S. Ahmed and Dr L. Benjamin, who made him comfortable in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either charity:
The Albion Neighbourhood Services (Boys and Girls Club of Albion)
The Canadian Cancer Society
The family will be having a small private service this Friday, but to truly celebrate this extraordinary man, we will be having a celebration of life in the near future. Details to come in the next few weeks. Joe’s favorite song was “American Pie” by Don McLean and thought these words were very fitting to remember our Daddio, our Grumpy and our Joe by:
“So bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
And them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye
Singin’, This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die”

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joe Dawson August 12 1944 August 15 2021..

Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home

Death notice for the town of: Oakville, Province: Ontario

death notice Joe Dawson August 12 1944 August 15 2021

mortuary notice Joe Dawson August 12 1944 August 15 2021