September 23, 1945 - October 8, 2024

In loving memory ~

Richard Lorne Dawson, better known as "Buffalo Chips," passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2024, after an unfair, one-sided clobbering by pancreatic cancer.

He was born in 1945 and raised in Lachute, Quebec, where he was neither the most promising nor the favorite of his siblings, but he did have the distinction of being the oldest male.He left behind many loved ones, including his wife Kathy, his eldest son Shawn, his favourite son Jonathan Todd, stepchildren Chris, Michael, and Mandy Woodrow, his sister Margaret Roehrig, grandchildren Mitchell, Quinn, Olivia, Jordan and Andy as well as nephews S枚ren and Kai, Tim and Jan, all still miraculously uncroaked.

Buffalo tried his hand at teaching history after Bishop's University, but he found his true place on the rugged logging roads of Northern Vancouver Island. The classroom couldn't hold him; he belonged in the open air, hauling great loads of timber over steep, narrow sidehills that left no room for error. Buffalo didn't just work for himself; he worked for his family. When he wasn't on the road, he was at home, building a place for them with his own hands using the trees on the land.

In 1980, he picked up a book on log house construction鈥攋ust one book, and figured that was all the schooling he needed. With 10 acres of land and a steady resolve, he got to work. "One mistake at a time" he'd say, but anyone who saw the finished house would call it a masterpiece of determination and ingenuity. If a log didn't fit, he'd fire up the chainsaw and shape it until it did; if a tool broke, he'd improvise another. It wasn't just a home; it was a testament to his way of doing things鈥攇uided by a relentless will, a spirit of resourcefulness, and a knack for tackling problems in his own unique style, often to the amazement鈥攁nd occasional amusement鈥攐f good friends like Alan and Charlie.

Richard believed in doing right by folks even if it didn't come back around. When he spoke, there was almost always humour in his words, no matter how serious the matter. Wit was a constant companion to his wisdom, leaving you grinning and thinking at the same time. Whether he had you laughing at an offbeat observation or pondering a truth he slipped in quietly, his words stayed with you, shaping the way you saw life long after the moment had passed.

Buffalo and Kathy lived a life filled with experiences, from the sun-soaked beaches of Mexico and Hawaii to the rugged backwoods of the Yukon. Grateful for every moment, they made the most of their time together, finding ways to keep the spirit of adventure alive. With Kathy as his "social director," they created a true sense of community, drawing friends together to enjoy life. The local Legion was one of their favorite haunts, where they spent countless evenings in the company of good friends, familiar faces, and more than a few unforgettable stories.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Cumberland Legion on November 3rd at 1:00. Bring your stories, your laughter, and a rubber chicken鈥擝uffalo cherished them, and it feels right to have more than a few around.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kitty Cat PALS鈥攖he animal rescue, not the strip club.