Obituary of IVAN RUSSELL DOBSON

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our much loved father, grandfather, and friend, Ivan Dobson at Deer Lodge Centre on October 22, 2016 with his loving family by his side. He was born on June 12, 1921, the first son of Alfred and Elsie Dobson. His birth was at the home of his ancestral parents located at the RM of Riverside MB. His brothers Ross, Melvin, and sister Marion made up the family. Dad grew up on the farm and attended the rural school of Rowland. He attended high school in Margaret, MB. In 1941, he joined the RCAF and trained in Canada to obtain his Observers Wing. In 1942, he arrived in the UK where his training was completed and he performed some ops with RAF 192 squadron. However, the crew was split up and his new crew was sent to the Middle East to 104 RAF squadron, where he completed 39 missions as Squadron Bomber Leader. While in England in 1942, he met his wife, Eileen Grieveson, and they were married on October 11, 1943. In 1953, he joined 5002 Auxiliary Intelligence Unit RCAF and served for 6 years as a part time reservist. He retired in 1958 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. In March 1945 Ivan and Eileen returned to Canada and settled in Winnipeg. They had 6 children, Wayne (Carol), Karen (Colin), Randy (Sandy), Cheryl (Bill), Brenda (Ron), Terry (Shan) and grandchildren Aaron, Marc, Kristin, Kelly, Whitney, Natalie, Evan, Hayley, Jillian, Madalyn and Nicholas. He was predeceased by his wife Eileen, his parents, two brothers and two granddaughters. He is survived by his sister Marion. Dad worked for Manitoba Telephone System for 34 years and retired as Senior Construction Manager in 1982. Dad and mom enjoyed travelling, especially their numerous trips to England. He made sure the family had a vacation every year. Some of his hobbies included dancing, playing cards, camping and fishing. Dad was very involved in coaching his children's sports and he never missed his grandchildren’s sporting events, being their number one fan. He was a true entertainer with a great sense of humour and was known for his jokes and story-telling. Dad spent the last 16 months in Tower 5 at Deer Lodge Centre, where he was an active participant in the many activities. He had the honour of meeting and having a personal conversation with the Duchess of Wessex. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the loving care the staff on Tower 5 gave to our father/grandfather. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 1pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Elmwood Branch, 920 Nairn Ave. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Deer Lodge Centre Tower 5. Dad/Grandpa you will be greatly missed but will remain in our hearts forever. TTFN. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/189242185" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/189242185">Ivan Dobson Slideshow</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user571050">Ryan Helbren</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/43890689" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/43890689">Ivan Dobson Interview Part One</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/ivanrdobson">Ivan R. Dobson</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/44229222" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/44229222">Ivan Dobson Interview Part Two</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/ivanrdobson">Ivan R. Dobson</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>