In memoriam: Pierre Landry
Retired music teacher Pierre Landry has died. His obituary can be found here:
https://yveslegare.com/pages/avis-de-deces/pierre-landry-1964902
In memoriam: Roslyn Silver
Dawson mourns the passing of one of the most distinctive voices and enthusiastic members of its community. Roslyn Silver passed away on November 24 after facing health challenges for a number of years. She was surrounded by her loved ones and closest friends until the end. Roslyn started her long career at Dawson in 1979…
In memoriam: Louise Kralka
The College received the sad news that Louise Kralka, who served on the Board of Governors for eight years between 2009 and 2017, passed away on January 20. She was 68 years old. The celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, January 31. Details are contained in the obituary at https://voluntas.ca/obituaries/kralka-louise/.
Louise was a dedicated member of the extended Dawson community with close friends at the College, and her son Patrick McBride who worked for a time in Facilities Management. An active and engaged member of the Board, she was Chair between June 2014 and February 2017 after serving as Vice-Chair, and she contributed to many Board-related committees.
In memoriam Paul Duchow
It is with much sorrow that we announce the death of Paul Duchow, who passed away in Cuba on October 5, 2025 at the age of 77. Paul taught Political Science and Humanities at Dawson, first at Lafontaine, then at Atwater. He also made an important contribution to the college serving on the executive of the Dawson Teachers’ Union for years. He supplemented his studies with a law degree specializing in immigration law. Following an early retirement from teaching, Paul helped clients cut through immigration red tape. For the past years, Paul spent much of his time in Cuba where his wife, Yarima Perodin, and his daughter, Rebecca, still live.
In memoriam: John Henry Burrows, Bruno Geslain and Donald Hackett
The Dawson community lost three retirees over the past few months.
John Henry Burrows taught in the Electrical Engineering Technology program from 1971 until his retirement in 1997. He passed away on July 7, 2025.
Bruno Geslain was employed at Dawson from 1978 until 2013. He started as a Pedagogical Counsellor in the Processional Development and Research service. He later became a permanent manager in 2007 (Coordinator des services pédagogiques / Coordinator, Canada – Québec Entente) prior to his retirement in 2013. Bruno died on July 20, 2025. His obituary is here.
Donald Hackett was a Computer Science teacher from 1971 until his retirement in 2005. He also taught in the Continuing Education sector. Donald passed away on May 4, 2025. His obituary is here.
In memoriam Firooz Azam Zanganeh
We regret to inform you that Firooz Azam Zanganeh has passed away. He was a teacher in the Mathematics department from 1974 until his retirement in 2008.
Celebration of life in honour of Dr. Catherine Fichten
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Dr. Catherine Fichten. It will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM at Dawson College in 5B.16.
Catherine, who passed away on Oct. 31, 2024, made a profound impact on teaching and research. Please join Catherine’s colleagues and friends in a celebration of her life and her enduring legacy. We heartily encourage you to share your favourite memories during the celebration. Refreshments will be served. We would also encourage donations in Catherine’s memory to a scholarship fund in her name, currently in the process of being established.
In order that we can make the necessary arrangements, kindly RSVP by Thursday, April 17 to Susie Wileman at swileman@dawsoncollege.qc.ca . Please indicate if you would like to share your memories of Catherine during the celebration.
-The Adaptech Research Team
In memoriam Don Mask
We regret to inform you of the sudden passing of Don Mask on Jan. 23 at the age of 91.
Don Mask began teaching at Dawson in 1971. He taught Business Administration and was also a teacher in Continuing Education. He retired in 1998.
Visit the link for the his obituary.
In memoriam Jessica Mills
Former Dawson staff member Jessica Mills sadly passed away at the young age of 44 on March 10. From 2006-2013, Jessica had worked at Dawson in various support staff and professional roles in Student Services, Continuing Education and Community Services, the Office of Academic Development.
Visit the link for her obituary.
In memoriam Maureen McIntyre
It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Maureen McIntyre, who taught in the Fine Arts Department for 44 years. Originally from St. John, NB, Maureen lived in Halifax and Montreal. She wrote poetry, did performance and photography, but her first love remained teaching. Maureen also initiated the Dean’s Choice Awards for the Arts at Dawson.
She was passionate about nature, being quite literate in the identification of plants and flowers. Maureen died of cancer after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband Gabriel Sydenham and his daughter Rebecca (Matthew), her brother Louis (Gail Clarke), her niece Kathy (Tim Frigault), her nephew Keith, numerous grand nephews, godsons, first cousins, extended family and friends.
Visit the link for her obituary.
-Submitted by Amanda Beattie
Last Modified: January 29, 2026
