Red Deer city councillor Michael Dawe, who has worn many hats serving his hometown, has died.
Mayor Ken Johnston, who also served with Dawe as a councillor, released a statement on Tuesday evening.
“With much grief and sadness on my heart, I must share, on behalf of my council colleagues, the unexpected passing of City Councillor and Red Deer’s most beloved historian, Michael Dawe,” the statement read.
“Michael’s family has informed us that he passed away on December 24, 2023, and at this time, we must honour his life, and all the good he contributed to this city and to those who surrounded him.
“Michael was an insightful and thoughtful community leader who loved the city of Red Deer with his whole heart. He was devoted to the service of the city, and he made it his life’s work to tell the story of Red Deer and to share the rich history of this community with everybody around him.
“His roots in this city run deep. He was a proud Albertan and a proud Red Deerian. But even more important, he was a colleague and friend who will be deeply missed by not only The City of Red Deer and City Council, but by the many who knew and loved him.”
Former mayor Morris Flewwelling said Dawe was somebody who was always helping and was devoted to service.
“Red Deer has lost a real stalwart son. He’s always done his part,” said Flewwelling about his long-time friend.
Community members have always been impressed by Dawe’s remarkable knowledge of Red Deer history, both places and people.
“He touched people’s lives simply because he was so connected to many people in the community. He remembered every detail,” said Flewwelling, who last saw Dawe about a week ago.
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His family said that Dawe, 67, was a much beloved parent, brother, uncle, friend, councillor, writer, archivist, and was often referred to as “Red Deer’s Beloved Son.”
Born in Red Deer, on March 7, 1956, Dawe was a fifth-generation resident of the city, as well as a seasonal resident of Summer Village of Norglenwold.
After attending Red Deer College, Dawe received a Bachelor’s degree in history and economics from the University of Alberta in 1976. In 1979, he became the first full-time archivist with the Red Deer and District Archives and served as City Archivist until 2017.
“Michael lived a life devoted to public service. He has served as councillor for the City of Red Deer since 2017. Among the many boards and committees upon which he served, Michael was a founding member of the Alberta Archives Society, a trustee in the David Thompson Health Authority and the Red Deer Regional Hospital Board, and a 35-plus year member of the Red Deer East Rotary Club.”
Tara Veer, who served as mayor of Red Deer from 2013 to 2021, shared her condolences.
“He was incredibly community-minded, cared about people and knew our Red Deer’s history in a way that is irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family & many friends,” Veer said in a tweet Tuesday.
Dawe received numerous awards and accolades during his life. He was named Alberta Citizen of the Year by the Council on School Administration of the Alberta Teachers’ Association for his work with local schools. He received the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Commendation for his work with Veterans. He also received both the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
In 2013, Dawe was named Red Deer Citizen of the Year and was twice voted Red Deer’s “Most Beloved Citizen” by readers of the Red Deer Express.
Many will know him from his historical columns in the Red Deer Advocate, the Red Deer Express and Sylvan Lake and Innisfail Province. Michael was also the author of six books, including Red Deer: The Memorable City, written to commemorate the City’s centennial.
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“Apart from his professional accomplishments, Michael will be best remembered for his warm, jovial and outgoing personality and for how he loved the City of Red Deer and its residents. Genuinely interested in everyone he met, Michael made time for everyone who cared to have a chat with him - and those people were many. He was possessed by the rare gift of making all people feel both interesting and heard, and the concerns and stories he was entrusted with undoubtedly fueled his dream to make Red Deer a better place through his many years of political commitment. No one was shut out of Michael’s heart, and he will long be remembered for how he loved the City of Red Deer and all of its residents.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the upcoming days.
“As Michael would have wanted, please spend time over the holiday season with family, friends and those you hold dear,” his family said.
In his statement, Johnston added that flags at Red Deer City Hall will be lowered to half-mast in recognition of Dawe’s passing.