SAMUELSON - Norman Dawson (Sam) aged 74 years of Swift Current, SK, passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with Emphysema on June 27, 2009. Dawson was a faithful husband, father, Papa and friend. He was known to many as “Papa Sam” and as such was quick to offer his love, a helping hand, and sound advice. He loved the outdoors and even in his last days made every effort to sit outside to enjoy the warm evenings listening to the birds and watching the sunset. Sam loved watching his Calgary Stampeders bring home the Grey Cup this past season and he loved watching NHL hockey and M.A.S.H. He was known as a great outdoorsman who loved his golfing, fishing, hunting, playing old-timers hockey, and camping. Those activities were hard for him to give up but he did so with grace and dignity. Because of his lack of mobility in the last year, we have been blessed by an unknown hidden talent that he had with a brush and watercolor paint. Dawson loved to travel to the ocean whenever he had the chance. His favorite spot to spend time relaxing by the ocean was at Qualicum Beach, BC. One of the recent highlights of his life was the family cruise vacation taken to the Caribbean where he could breathe easier at sea level and enjoy so many wonderful memory moments with his wife, children and grandchildren. Dawson always embraced life and lived it to the fullest. Whatever he did was done diligently and with exuberance and wasn’t complete until done properly. Sam was a very private man and didn’t speak openly about his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All who knew him saw the change in his life over the past five years that only hope in Christ can bring. Dawson’s living legacy includes his beloved best friend and wife of 44 years, Leona; his children, Melanie (Mike) Kehler, and Ryan (Kim) Samuelson; and his grandchildren, Braden and Amy Kehler and Rone Samuelson with another baby Samuelson due in November. The pride he had in his family overflowed from his heart. He will also be dearly missed by his brothers, Alan (Jean) and George (Shirley); his in-laws, Lenore (Harvey) Wentland, Audrey (Robert) Baillie, Joan Penner (Gordon Stadler), Dolores (Randy) Ens; all his nieces and nephews; and an enormous number of extended family members and friends. Special thanks to a long-time doctor and friend, Dr. Ibrahim, the nurses in the Emergency and Intensive Care Units at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current as well as the home-care staff members who tended to Dawson’s needs. The funeral service was held on Saturday, July 4, 2009, at 2:00 pm from the Eastside Church of God, Swift Current, SK, with Pastor Kevin Snyder officiating. “Amazing Grace” was sung by the congregation with a musical selection provided by Mary Henderson and Marilyn Rempel singing, “One Day At a Time”. The tribute was shared by Trent Regier. The ushers in the church were Dick Dunlop and Jim Appleyard. The honor guard was performed by the Royal Canadian Legion. Honorary pallbearers were “All those who loved and respected Sam “Papa Sam”. The interment was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK, with the following serving as pallbearers, Ivan Dugan, Chris Baillie, David Dale, Rick Fast, Craig Vik, Jason Wentland and Greg Schaalje. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Dawson’s honor to Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp (Box 65, Longview, AB T0L 1H0 or online at www.bluebronna.org. would be appreciated by the family. Funeral Arrangements were in Care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.