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Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson was born and raised in Orillia and returned to his hometown to become sports editor of The Packet & Times in 1991. He chose to stay in Orillia, to raise his family here and to serve the community as a reporter, editor and freelance writer ever since. He is thrilled to be the community editor of OrilliaMatters.com and looks forward to continuing the tradition of bringing the stories that matter to Orillians to their fingertips every day. Dave is also very involved in the community; he coached various sports when his kids were younger and, today, is a valued board member of Sport Orillia, a member of the Building Hope campaign for the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter and is also part of the committee selected to choose this year's Citizen of the Year.

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Recent Work by Dave

PROFILE: 'Great man' to be inducted into Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

PROFILE: 'Great man' to be inducted into Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

Dean Heliotis, who died in 2023, will be inducted in the builder's category at Saturday night's gala; legendary local coach was 'one of Orillia's great sportsmen'
PROFILE: Orillia Sports Hall of Fame to welcome 'master motivator'

PROFILE: Orillia Sports Hall of Fame to welcome 'master motivator'

Ian MacMillan, a legendary ODCVI coach who helped generations of athletes reach their potential, 'really cared about us as athletes,' says Rob Town
Gerry Dee stuck in Hwy. 400 crash; Orillia Opera House show postponed

Gerry Dee stuck in Hwy. 400 crash; Orillia Opera House show postponed

'People were just hanging out, chatting and having a few laughs anyway,' said patron after Friday night show was unexpectedly postponed
'Local treasure': Orillia mourns loss of renowned artist Dave Beckett

'Local treasure': Orillia mourns loss of renowned artist Dave Beckett

'Not only is he an acclaimed artist with a great talent, but he is also very giving,' said then Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke when Beckett's painting was hung at city hall
PROFILE: Two-sport athlete scores spot in Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

PROFILE: Two-sport athlete scores spot in Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

Chad Thompson, a 'very talented two-way player,' shone in the OHL and NLL, one of those rare athletes who played at the highest level of two sports
PROFILE: Allan Cup champs skating into Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

PROFILE: Allan Cup champs skating into Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

'It was a real source of pride for the city to win Allan Cup,' recalls player/coach Doug Kelcher of historic feat; Terriers to be inducted into Orillia sports shrine at May 4 gala
Orillia walloped by wicked spring snow storm (4 photos)

Orillia walloped by wicked spring snow storm (4 photos)

Wicked winds and heavy, wet snow wreaked havoc in Orillia and beyond overnight, sparking power outages amid several crashes on area roads
Orillia woman, 67, succumbs to injuries after apartment fire

Orillia woman, 67, succumbs to injuries after apartment fire

'It's a tragic circumstance any time someone loses their life in this type of manner,' said Orillia OPP official of 67-year-old woman's death; cause under investigation
Suspect still at large after Sunday morning break-ins: Orillia OPP

Suspect still at large after Sunday morning break-ins: Orillia OPP

Sunday crime spree, including a weapons call near Homewood Park, kept police busy; 27-year-old was arrested in what OPP said was 'isolated incident'
Apartment fire leaves residents from 28 units homeless — for now

Apartment fire leaves residents from 28 units homeless — for now

One person was taken to hospital with 'serious' injuries after fire at Coldwater Road apartment; Firefighters encountered 'heavy smoke and intense heat'
More work by Dave >