Dawson Mackie January 15, 2001 - August 30, 2026

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Dawson James Albert Mackie, age 25, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, on August 30, 2026.

Dawson was born in Dryden, Ontario, on January 15, 2001, and was the treasured son of Mike and Shelley Mackie and a deeply loved brother of MacKenna and fur-brother Frankie. He will be forever loved and missed by his grandparents, Pearl Cran and Albert and Bev Mackie.

Dawson will also be missed by Uncle Jamie and Aunt Stephanie Cran; cousins Summer and Brody Cran; Aunt Shannon and Uncle Andy Smith; cousins Savannah (Jayce) Kuzemchuk and Dylan Smith; Uncle Abby (Thunder Bay Dad) and Aunt Ronda Mackie; and cousins Kaden (Emerald) and Kyle Mackie.

Dawson was very close with the Savage family, who will also feel his absence, especially his closest friend Max.

Dawson was predeceased by his grandfather, John Cran, and his great-grandparents.

Dawson grew up in Dryden and graduated from Dryden High School before moving to Thunder Bay to attend Confederation College, where he completed the Electronics Engineering Technician and Instrumentation Engineering Technician Programs. He enjoyed Thunder Bay and began his trades career with a plumbing/heating/HVAC company, completing his G3 Gas Technician certification.

While in Thunder Bay, Dawson continued to enjoy gaming, weight-lifting, and fitness, and developed a special passion for golf, where he could be seen on many Thunder Bay area golf courses with Kaden, Kyle, Uncle Abby and Max. Cars were also one of Dawson’s interests, and he loved his first car, an Acura TSX. He grew to love his latest car, a Nissan, but it could never take the place of the Acura! Dawson also loved music and collected various sound systems, even an electric guitar, with aspirations of teaching himself to play. He was often seen with headphones on, enjoying rap and rock music and humming his favourite songs.

Growing up, Dawson always wanted a pet, as he loved our first dog, Rocky the Pug. After Rocky’s passing, Dawson convinced the family to get quirky pets like hermit crabs and exotic fish because we took many family trips and couldn’t commit to another dog. He even researched and convinced us to get a hedgehog named Bubba. Mom and Dad finally broke down and got him a French Bulldog named Frankie in 2019. Frankie made numerous trips to visit Dawson in Thunder Bay.

Dawson was a man of few words, but anyone who knew him will remember his sense of humour, quiet kind heart, and compassion.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family ceremony will take place at a later date.

In place of flowers, you can donate to an animal charity of your choice in Dryden or in Thunder Bay.

When the sun sets on a beautiful life… the colours can remain far after.

Keep them in your stories, say their name, emulate their kindness and cherish their legacy.

We love you, Dawson … Until we meet again.