Obituary of Larry Ivan Dawson

Larry Ivan Dawson
December 21, 1945 – September 21, 2025

Larry Ivan Dawson, 79, of Stettler, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Rimbey to Ivan and Hazel Dawson, Larry spent his childhood moving with his family through Blufton, Innisfail, Camrose, and Olds before settling in Stettler. As a boy, his friends affectionately nicknamed him “Dads”—a name that followed him all his life.

Larry excelled in sports and leadership from a young age, proudly representing his school teams. He also worked a variety of part-time jobs, from stocking grocery shelves to summer labour for the Town of Stettler. During those early years, he met Barbara Harbison, his high school friend and sometime sweetheart. They graduated together in 1964 and attended grad as each other’s dates. Larry had once joked with friends that he would marry “that girl”—and he did. In 1968 Larry and Barbara became husband and wife. 

After high school, Larry moved to Edmonton to play football with the Edmonton Wildcats and attend the University of Alberta. Summers were filled with hard work—pipeline gauging, oilfield shifts, and student engineering posts. He earned his Bachelor of Science in 1968, followed by an MBA while teaching as a Lecturer at the University.

In 1971, Larry and Barbara set off on their first great adventure, moving to Nairobi, Kenya, where Larry taught at the University of Nairobi. That same year, they welcomed their first daughter, Krista Lee. Returning to Canada in 1974, Larry became Director of Administrative Services at Athabasca University, and the family grew again with the arrival of their second daughter, Teresa Lynn, in 1975.

Larry’s career took the family across Canada—from St. Albert to Port Moody, Cranbrook, and Brandon, Manitoba—as he rose through senior administrative roles. In the 1990s, he joined Mount Royal College in Calgary as Vice President of Administrative Services. His dedication to education later carried him abroad once more, to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, where he held executive leadership positions at Zayed University and the American University of Kuwait. His work was recognized and respected, but more importantly, it reflected his lifelong belief in the power of education to change lives.

Despite his professional accomplishments, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He and Barb created a life full of adventure, ski weekends, road trips, and countless hours supporting their daughters in school and sports. Later, his happiest moments were with his grandchildren—Savannah, Nico, and Pender—whether at the park, on the couch with storybooks, or simply being present in their lives.

A friend of Larry’s was a friend for life, with some friendships spanning up to 70 years. A few of his fondest memories of friends included poker nights, racquetball tournaments, heliski adventures, billiards, and card games. 

In retirement, Larry and Barb wintered in Arizona, where Larry developed a fondness for golf and forged lasting friendships. Summers were spent back home in Stettler, catching up with family, reconnecting with old friends, and enjoying the rhythm of small-town life.

Known for his quiet but warm presence, Larry had a knack for making people feel welcome. He loved sports, motorcycles, and a good laugh, always ready with a witty line. His generosity, loyalty, and gentle humour will be cherished memories for all who knew him.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; daughters Krista (Casey) Alton and Teresa Doulos; grandchildren Savannah, Nico, and Pender; his mother Hazel Dawson; brother-in-law Don (Leslie) Harbison; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Ivan Dawson (2008), and mother-in-law, Audrey Harbison (2009).

A private family graveside service will be held. Those wishing to honour Larry’s memory may do so with donations to the Parkinson Association of Alberta (120, 6835 Railway Street SE, Calgary AB T2H 3A8), the Stettler Health Services Foundation (P.O. Bag 500, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0), or a charity of their choice.

"Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still."