(1935 – 2024)
Sadly, we announce the death of Dr. Colin Dawes, 88, on April 5, 2024 at Gimli Hospital.
He was the beloved husband of Margaret, and father of Roger (Sharon), Elizabeth, Martin (Jocelyn), Richard (Cindy), and Susan (Kevin), and grandfather of nine (Sydney, Mallory, Farley, Iris, Jim, Nicole, Gunther, Duncan and Angus). He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Norman Kehler, and his sister Gwyneth.
Colin studied dentistry at University of Manchester and took research training in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England. He became a Professor of Oral Biology and taught dental students at the University of Manitoba for over 40 years. His research focused on saliva and its importance for oral health.
We are grateful for the care he received over many years from Drs Johnston and Banerji at CancerCare, and Dr. Silha, Dr. Hurst, Dr. Beldavs, and Dr. Fulmore, and also for the kind and skilled health care workers at Gimli Hospital.
Cremation has taken place and in keeping with Colin’s wishes, there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
11 thoughts on “Dr. Colin Dawes”
Colin was a regular customer at Robins in gimli. Sorry for your loss. He will be sadly missed.
Please accept the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s student, staff and faculty’s most sincere condolences on Colin’s passing. He was my teacher and later on my colleague. I was always appreciative of his kindness, thoughtfulness and dry sense of humour! He was among the founding members of the Department of Oral Biology and left a lasting legacy through his teaching and research. May he rest in peace.
Kindest Regards,
Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis
Dean, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
Dr Dawes was one of the sweetest men I have ever had the pleasure of working with at University. I was impressed he always remembered my name and was cheerful everyday we interacted. I still remember his lectures from when I was a first year Dental Hygiene student over 30 years ago and the University of Manitoba Dentistry program benefitted greatly from his research expertise. I am saddened by his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family.
Dr. Dawes was one of my professors in Dental School. Years later, I would occasionally encounter him in the halls of the Dental College. Soft spoken and gentle-natured, he was always ready with a warm “hello” when I’d see him. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, Dr. Dawes.
A beautiful person–witty, an intelligentsia extraordinaire, caring and kind, an ultimate mentor. Rest in peace, dear Colin.
Colin was a great colleague. Always amusing with a ascerbic sense of humour particularly on the golf course. He will be missed.
Dr Dawes spent retirement in Gimli which was fortunate for me at Gimli Dental Clinic. It allowed regular visits which were always pleasant and engaging. Each appointment ending with a kind hug. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family. Corinne Chudd 🙏
Dr. Dawes was internationally recognized for his research in Oral Biology and we were blessed to benefit from his contributions to the Manitoba dental community throughout his career. Our Manitoba graduates will remember him fondly as well as his work on oral health. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Daron Baxter
President, Manitoba Dental Association
My sincere condolences to all the family on Colin’s passing. I am very grateful to Colin for his kindness and research mentorship during the four years I spent in his lab at the Dental School in Winnipeg. He will always be recognised internationally for his research in Oral Biology and as a dedicated editor of the Journal of Dental Research.
I have fond memories of Colin from when he taught me physiology in 1st year dentistry. He was a very creative teacher and I will never forget some of his exam questions to this day. All those he worked with at the Journal of Dental Research remember his excellent stewardship of the journal. It was very impressive that in those days he did most of the reviews himself! Colin’s trailblazing research on saliva put U of M Dentistry and Winnipeg on the international map. I would love it if Colin’s children can get in touch with me since I am writing an In Memorian article about his immense contributions for the Journal of Dental Research. I am interested in personal recollections and photographs for the article. I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Joy
Dear Margaret and family – I would like to send you my deepest condolences. I met Dr. Dawes when I was in first year dental school and am very grateful to have worked with him in his research lab, to have had him as a colleague for many years, and then kept in touch through email. I learned a lot from Colin and really appreciate his kindness. He contributed so much to academia and has a wonderful family.
Hugs,
Cecilia