Harry William Dosso passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, at the age of 92, with Martha, his loving wife of 68 years, at his side.
Harry was born January 9, 1932, on a farm near Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. In 1946, his family moved to a farm near Chilliwack BC. Money was tight, so Harry left school to work at nearby hop fields while also helping run the family farm. After two years he returned to education and went on to complete high school in Chilliwack, then BSc and MSc degrees in Physics plus a year of Teachers Training at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver.
Harry financed his university studies working as a CPR train porter. The train had a stop in Moose Jaw SK where his sister Ann was in nurses training and introduced him to fellow student Martha Sawatzky: Harry and Martha were married December 29, 1956, in Swift Current SK. In 1957, Harry graduated from UBC and took a position teaching physics at Victoria College and the couple moved to Victoria where their four children were born between 1958 and 1962.
In 1963, Victoria College became the University of Victoria (UVic) and Harry became a University Professor. Since he didn’t have a doctorate (not required at Victoria College), he used his UVic research and a sabbatical leave to complete a PhD in Geophysics at UBC in under two years. During a 40-year career at UVic, Harry was an internationally-renowned researcher in geoelectromagnetic induction in the earth and oceans. He served as Head of the Physics Department (1969-1975) and as Coordinator of the Physics Co-op program (1975-1996). He travelled widely with his work, including extensive trips (with Martha) to the USSR and China during the Cold War when western visitors were uncommon.
Harry was a long-time member and leader at Central Baptist Church in Victoria, where he was elected to the Board of Management for 28 years, serving as Board Chair for 6 years, as well as chairing the Design and Construction Committees responsible for building the present 700-seat church auditorium and parkade in 1998.
Harry was a loving and devoted husband and father, and a kind and generous man. From his farming background he was an adept gardener and could fix almost anything, mechanical or electrical. He particularly enjoyed family camping trips on the coast and in the mountains, taking the kids swimming in the ocean and lakes no matter how cold.
Harry is survived by his wife Martha; by his children Lorna, Stan (Shelley), Ken (Frances), and Joan; by his 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and by his sister Edna (Lloyd). He is predeceased by siblings Helen (Olaf), Mary (Joe), Kay (John), Hilda (Don), Ann (Grant), and Edward.
The family thanks the caring staff at Kiwanis Pavilion. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday October 12 at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Baptist Church in memory of Harry Dosso for the Building Improvement Fund. Funds can be given at the service, by mail to the church, or by email to giving@centralbaptistchurch.ca.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Syd Bulman-Fleming
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Alice Peters Dear Martha,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Life’s Partner.
My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
May God comfort you in His understanding way.
Love, Alice
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Dave Bartley Lorna, Stan, Ken, Joan and families,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. What a gentle, humble and quiet man of faith he was.
I remember when he was first elected as Board Chair, he remarked – I’m not sure Martha will like this development. . .
Your folks were so kind and welcoming and your dad so wise in my years in Victoria. May you grief be tempered by many warm memories of your times together
Blessings on you
Dave and Brenda Bartley
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Wayne E Drews The Drews family is sorry to hear that Harry passed away in October. My father, Reihold E. Drews, and Harry were great friends in high school in Chiliwack, BC, and later at UBC. My dad mentioned him quite a few times and I also know they studied math and physics together and possibly lived together.
W.Drews
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Monika What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. Harry’s life had an impact on so many people over his 92 years. My deep condolences to Martha, Joan and the rest of the family as you grieve this loss.
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Rose Merke Dear Joan,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are always close in heart and mind.
To your mother Martha I express my deepest sympathy of her loss of a life Partner. I cannot imagine her loss.
God be with you both and give you peace.
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Rita Attrot My deepest condolences to you, Joan, and to your dear Mom and all the family. I have such happy memories of being in your parents’ home when we were younger and your Dad was always so welcoming. I remember his smile and terrific sense of humour, his great gardening skills (never to be defeated by the deer!) and his strong commitment to his family and the church. He will be missed. Love from Rita
Dear Joan
We are saddened to hear of the death of your father. He was my very first professor at (then) Victoria College in 1962, in Physics 101, and he taught me in several other courses until I graduated in Honours Physics in 1966. He was a most sincere and caring teacher, whose wise counsel stayed with me throughout my own career as an academic. Barbara and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and the Dosso clan.