Goulden, Dawn, passed from this world, how she lived it, with no fanfare or complaints, on June 8, 2021 at the age of 71.

She will be missed terribly, by her work family at Oakwood Terrace in Dartmouth, as well by the Forest Hills Spark, Brownie & Girl Guide Units.

Surviving are her Husband Dave, Daughter Christy, Sons; Laurie (Trudy), Arthur (Kim) and Eric (Tracy), her Granddaughters Victoria, Emerson and Aynslie. As well as her Mother, Ruth, Brothers; Roger, Mark, Cliff, Dwight, Peter, Christian, Skipper and Sisters; Gail, Tanya and Holly.

She was predeceased by her Father, Harry VanBuskirk.

Dawn’s passion was being kind and helping others, in every aspect of her life. She was a loved and respected Nurse at Oakwood for many years. Her friends and co-workers would call her their “Work Mom”, an invaluable piece of the puzzle. Dawn was an understanding and dedicated confidante to all of the staff and residents. With her calming and warm demeanour, she was a quiet leader and a natural teacher, who always encouraged everyone to succeed.

She loved to volunteer and care for others, young and old. She was the glue that held everyone together. Dawn, with her husband, Dave, started their family business, Pieces of Wood, over thirty years ago, where many lasting friendships were built.

Her dedication to her children was evident with her involvement in all of their activities. Over the years, she has coached T-ball, managed baseball teams and taught Sunday school. She was involved with Scouts Canada and then later Girl Guides of Canada. Within Girl Guides, she truly found a home, and ran it so well, even long after Christy had moved on. Guider Dawn didn’t just teach the Guiding Law, she lived it. Being honest, trustworthy, respecting others, to protecting our common environment, with enforcing her Idle Free Zone. Dawn had a quiet and patient way about her; she mentored many Leaders, Sparks, Brownies and Guides with grace and integrity. She was a perfect 10 (not in the fake Hollywood style), but by having all the attributes that makes a person truly special. We are all better people because of Dawn, her legacy and teachings will continue to live on. 

In honour of Dawn’s memory, please offer an act of kindness to someone in need.

“Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold. A circle’s round it has no end, that’s how long I want to be your friend”