Obituary of Dorson Shuffler

Dorson Shuffler, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in Dawson Creek at the age of 85 years. Dorson Ogard Shuffler was born on September 7, 1931 in Barbados, West Indies. Although he was the second of twelve children, Dorson was always considered the eldest; as the first born son Aubrey passed away shortly after birth. His parents Lavy and Dorothy were also born in Barbados where they raised their family. Dorson worked at the Barbados Foundry as a young man and then as an operator at Porter's Sugar Factory before moving to Montreal, Canada in the winter of 1959. His goal was to live in the far north, so shortly afterwards he moved to Labrador City, Newfoundland to work as a welder and in the training department of the Iron Ore Company of Canada. Dorson loved good fellowship with family and friends, including a hymn sing and often a game of dominoes. He also loved to spend time fishing, hunting and enjoying the outdoors. Dorson married Evol Gwendolyn Gibson in January of 1962 after having known her for eight years. They settled in Labrador City and their first son David was born in October of 1962, followed by daughter Sharon in February of 1964. In 1966 they moved clear cross Canada to Cassiar, B.C. where they lived for the next fourteen years. Their daughter Deanna was born there in March of 1967 and their youngest son Shawn was born in October of 1970. Many family memories were created over the years in connection with northern outdoor adventures along with family and friends that moved in and out of the community. Dorson was trained as a welder, millwright and a metallurgist and began work in Cassiar running a new system for training Technical Trades personnel and heavy equipment operators. He then moved into supervisory roles and personnel work involving Technical Trades training, Industrial Relations and Mechanical Maintenance for the mining operations there. In January of 1981, he moved his family to Dawson Creek, B.C. where he began to work for the Provincial Government in various trades counselling positions. He retired briefly (for two weeks) at the age of 65, and was hired back on a contract basis with the government where he worked until the age of 80, commuting regularly between Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. Dorson and Evol, for almost the entire 55 years of their marriage enjoyed having a Sunday morning meeting in their home and often on Wednesdays as well. Dorson's love for truth and commitment to God was what guided his life choices. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all whose lives he touched as a son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather, elder and friend. Dorson welcomed thirteen grandchildren over the years, including: Shaeli, Cael, Corban, Cierra, Kaiden, Shenay, Jacinda, Jairus, Jed, Alexis, Kai, Niall and Bryn. A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Taylor Community Hall. Ministers Michael Moulson and Reid Goodkey officiated. Interment followed in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Fort St. John, B.C. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Dorson to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1000-105 Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 2L4. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Funeral Service 11:00 am Thursday, February 9, 2017 Taylor Community Hall 9896 Cherry Avenue W Taylor, British Columbia, Canada V0C 2K0