Diack, Dawn-Ellen (nee Coker) - passed away peacefully at age 82, surrounded by her family. Dawn-Ellen was recently predeceased by Bob, her beloved husband of 61 years. Her family all miss her, including adored son Bruce (Helen), and cherished daughter Dana. She had an extra special place in her heart for her grandchildren - Brittany (Neil), Robert, Brandon (Shuke), and Sarah. Dawn-Ellen grew up happily, alongside dear siblings John (Bryan), and Caroline (Kerry). Dawn-Ellen worked proudly as a homemaker, and was devoted to her family. Over the years, Dawn-Ellen was involved in part-time community activities such as working at the North York Public Library, and volunteering with the girls’ swim team at Northview Heights Secondary School and at Queen Street Mental Health Centre (now CAMH). Dawn-Ellen was an avid and skilled knitter, and would craft wonderful sweaters, tuques, and socks for family and friends. She and Bob chatted amiably and fulsomely with people on their day-to-day outings, and during their extensive travels to places such as Europe, Mexico, and Baffin Island. Dawn-Ellen and Bob revelled in taking each set of grandchildren on a memorable family excursion to Disney World. Highlights of Dawn-Ellen and Bob’s other trips to the U.S. included a trip to see the balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and riding their Harley to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Everyone felt their warm, welcoming ways, and many lifelong friends were made throughout their journeys. As per Dawn-Ellen’s wishes, there will be no services held. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition York (2-15236 Yonge Street, Aurora) and condolences may be forwarded through www.peacefultransition.ca
George Coker
Posted on: Friday, August 25, 2023My second cousin Dawn-Ellen and her husband Bob were very kind to me as a 19 year old student trying to feel comfortable about going to college in Toronto in 1972. They eventually rescued me from living in the basements of strangers and let me stay with them for an entire year, where they made me feel like part of their family. It was my first time away from home and that year I spent with them was very important in my growth as a person. They were only in their early 30s with two young children (Bruce and Dana), and we had many of the typical discussions of our times, like the issues of the day, morality, work, ethics, religion, family values, etc. etc. I even met my first serious girlfriend who lived just a few houses west on their street. For many years after I continued to visit them often and regularly. I will forever be grateful for the part that they and their family played in my life during those early years.
In 1990 I wanted to see the Arctic and so I began planning a hiking trip across Baffin Island. When I told Bob and Dawn-Ellen, they eagerly asked if they could go too, and of course Esther and I were more than happy to have them accompany us. The attached photo was taken at the end of our 10 day trek across the Cumberland Peninsula, that included crossing a mountain range, a glacier, rivers, and numerous streams, when we stayed at a camp operated by an Inuit family. When I gathered our group for a last photo with our hosts, the older gentleman scooped up two husky puppies and plunked one of them in Dawn-Ellen’s arms. For the previous few days we had watched these puppies play around the hut in their own feces and dragging about bits of seal flippers and fish carcasses. As most of you know, Dawn-Ellen was very careful about and aware of germs and cleanliness, and so when she was suddenly handed this puppy she had a surprised and horrified look on her face, but not wanting to hurt the old man’s feelings she quickly recovered and held the puppy and smiled for the photo!
My sincere condolences go to the Diack family for the loss of such devoted parents.