On Sunday, the 19th day of November, 1899, there passed away to his long rest, one whose name has been inseparably connected with the progress and advancement of geological as well as palaeontological research, in the Dominion of Canada. For a few years back Sir William Dawson’s health began to fail as advancing years rolled on. The constant strain of a long life of intense activity and incessant labour, at last wore out the chords of life in his person, lie died peacefully at his residence, 293 University street, Montreal, just as the first hour of the day of rest dawned, surrounded by his wife and constant companion and a number of his children. Sir William accomplished enough during his life, in the interests of education, science, and religion to satisfy any three hardworking individuals. He leaves behind him such monuments of industry and perseverance as few men do. The Peter Redpath Museum of McGill University alone is a monument which for ages will give food for thought to the coming generations, both to students of the university and to the geologists who seek to unravel the problems of geological science in the different portions of Canada, but more especially those of the maritime provinces, his native land.

A Brief Biographical Sketch of Sir John William Dawson
C. M. G., LL D., F. R. S., F. G. S., By H. M. Ami of the Geological Survey of Canada (1900) (pdf)

Sir John William Dawson
By Frank Dawson Adams, M.Sc., Ph.D. (pdf)

Fifty Years of Work in Canada
Scientific and Educational being Autobiographical Notes by Sir William Dawson, C.M.G., LL.D., F.R.S ETC. ETC., Late Principal of McGill University, Montreal edited by Rankine Dawson, M.A., M.D., M.R.C.S.E. (1901) (pdf)