Aitchison: William Dawson,
Peacefully passed away at Southlake Health Newmarket, on June 23, 2026. Dawson Aitchison at the age of 92 years, beloved husband of Shirley Aitchison (nee: Matson).
Loving brother of the late Golda Brydon (the late Jack) and loving brother in law of Lois Archibald (the late Ken) and Ruth Matson (the late Larry). Dearly loved uncle of the late Rick Archibald, Joanne Burns (Jim), Scott Archibald (Diane), Dave Archibald (Maureen), Lea Steenhoek (Rick), Kyle Brydon (Carolyn), Steve Matson (Sandy), Mark Matson, and Jan Gracey. Sadly missed by special friend Sam Dupuis. Forever in the hearts of his great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
Memorial Service will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Saturday July 18, 2026 in the chapel at 1pm. A Reception in the funeral home’s Cliffside Hall will follow. In Dawson’s memory, donations to St. Mary Magdalene’s Anglican Church (116 Church St. Schomberg, ON, L0G1T0) or the charity of choice would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Memorial Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Rd. Tottenham Ontario, L0G1W0
Saturday July 18, 2026
1:00pm
Dunkerron Elevators Inc says
We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts are with you, and we hope you find comfort in the support of those around you and in the cherished memories of your loved one.
With our deepest sympathy,
The Wienecke Family & Everyone at Dunkerron Elevators Inc.
Chris Somerville says
Dear Shirley,
My sincere condolences on your loss of Dawson. He was a true country gentleman, anytime I met up with him he always had a good story to tell. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dalyce Mccabe says
Shirley very sorry to hear of Dawson’s passing. I have a lot of memories of being a child at the farm with both. Never forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lynn Jackson says
Dear Shirley and family, my sincere sympathies on the loss of your beloved Dawson. Such a good man, always had a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gary Reynolds says
Dear Shirley & family,
We are sad to hear that Dawson has passed but rejoice that he lived a long life well lived. Many fond memories of you and Dawson and my parents, Wally & June Reynolds. Sorry we can not attend the service on Saturday but you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. I will drop into the farm again soon to visit and remember the good times. Gary, Tara, Brandon & Tasha Reynolds
Barb and Ron Hepburn says
Dawson was a great neighbor – I popped in periodically for a quick chat and check up with him and Shirley. Memorable visits and comical stories I will not forget.
Schomberg Lions Club says
He was a great contributor to the Schomberg Lions and will be missed.
Linda Baker says
My heartfelt condolences in the passing of Dawson…. the treasured legacy lives on – his stories, his laughter, his kindness as our close farm neighbour. Wishing you strength, Shirley, on your courageous road ahead.
Sandra Madill says
Shirley and Family. I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dawson. My your many good memories of time together help you through the hard times. Sandy Madill
Ailene Mabee says
My sincere condolences to all the families on the loss of Dawson thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time Ailene Mabee
Ernie and Daina Wienecke says
Our sincere condolences for your loss of Dawson ! Thoughts and prayers are with you and families.
John and Joan Rennie says
Our sincere sympathy to Shirley and her family. My Grandparents and Parents knew Dawson and his sister when they were just kids running around Schomberg. We got to know Dawson when he was dating Shirley when she stayed with us while she was working for Bell in Newmarket. She was only going to stay with us for one week and ending up staying for seven years. Those were good years. John and Joan Rennie (Bennett)
Sandra McGuire says
Another one of Schomberg’s finest gentlemen called home! Dawson & Shirley were great farm neighbours of our McGuire family. Sending sincere sympathy & condolences to you Shirley & all your extended family.
Sandra McGuire
John crake says
What a great guy Dawson was,l looked after his and Shirley’s horses while racing at the old Orangeville raceway,always was a good time on race day with them both.RIP Dawson.
Mary Wiley says
Condolences to the Aitchison family’s on the loss of Dawson Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
Garry and Mary Wiley
Jackie Calhoun says
Always lots of Dawson stories from mom and dad. Sending our deepest condolances from the Argent family.
Barb & John Rowley & Family says
Dear Shirley and family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of Dawson. Such a remarkable, helpful person. He was a great friend of my father’s. If either needed a hand they new they could count on each other.
RIP Dawson!
Sincerely,
Barb & John Rowley and family
Todd Marchant says
To Shirley and all of Dawson’s extended family,
Our most sincere condolences go out to you all.
Dawson was certainly one of the good ones.
I have many great memories of helping out on the farm when I was young.
Dad was very sorry to hear of Dawson’s passing. To think of all the history they have shared. From when they went to school together as kids, the great softball teams they played on together and the many more endeavours they were a part of throughout their lives, is unimaginable. Every visit with Dad, he’s sure to ask, “How’s Peewee doing”?
Glad we stopped in to visit and called when we did.
Sorry for your loss Shirley.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don, Todd and Marilou Marchant
Donna Williams says
Im so sorry to hear Dawson passed away. My sincere condolences Shirley .
Kevin Holmes says
We are saddened to have heard of Dawson’s passing. We have sadly lost another Schomberg legend for sure. He will be remembered for his wit and his stories, and his love of standardbred horses and horse racing. He was a faithful and lifelong supporter of the Schomberg Agricultural society. He was good neighbour, and I have fond memories of he and my Dad working together as neighbouring farmers ‘back in the day’. Our thoughts are with Shirley and family at this difficult time.
Kevin, Stephanie, Cale and Leanne Holmes.
Doug Groombridge says
Sadly, we have lost another great Schomberg beloved community member. Dawson was a colourful story teller whom I always enjoyed crossing paths with. Like Bev Wray, I was accustomed to them coming to the abattoir and hearing another story or two. Dawson, you served Schomberg well and many of us will never forget you.
RIP my friend.
Doug Groombridge
Don and Marilyn Jacobs says
Dawson’s smiles will be missed. A wonderful neighbour.