Outpouring of grief on Facebook site for tragic Dawn

Jun 30 2011 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

HUNDREDS of tributes have been placed on a Facebook website set up in memory of foster mum Dawn McKenzie.

RIP Dawn (Byrne) McKenzie, was set up just days after the former Earnock High School pupil, was found with multiple stab wounds at her home in Hamilton on Friday evening.

Tributes poured in from friends, family members and work colleagues.

Messages were also made by those people who knew Dawn as she cared for their children while working as a nursery nurse.

Gail Findlay: ‘Dawn I am so devastated you were not only my wee sister you were my best friend gonnae miss you so so much. Love you more than words can say, you take care babes. RIP sleep tight my angel.’

June Duffy: ‘So very sad, thank you for all your hardwork and care you gave my children. Thoughts are with you and your family.’

Elaine Boslem: ‘Sleep tight Dawn, still can't take this in. My daughter is a better person for having had you in her life so young to give her a great start in life like so many of the children in Glenburn Nursery, you will always be remembered, our thoughts are with all your family, friends and workmates god bless.’

Amy Cowles: ‘Worked with Dawn some time ago she was a lovely bubbly, truly caring person one who will be very much missed RIP.’

Sie Thorley: ‘Absolutely shocked at this tragedy. My wife Valerie and I met you at the Skills to Fostering training in Glasgow recently and you were an inspiration to us. Thoughts are with your family at this tragic time.’

Nicola Sproull: ‘Dawn you were such a lovely person, always smiling whenever I saw you. Thoughts are with Bryan and the rest of your family. Rest in peace.’

Jayclyn Gallagher:‘RIP Dawn, we shared so much together growing up. I have so many fantastic memories of all the fun times we had, you were a great friend with the biggest heart. I will miss you and will always remember you.’

Karen Wallace: ‘I only met you briefly, and you struck me as being an amazing person full of life, pretty and so enthusiastic about your family, friends and work! You will be missed.’

Donna Carey: ‘Our thoughts are with our close friend and colleague Dawn McKenzie. One of the best, dedicated, compassionate child-care practitioners I have had the pleasure of knowing. The world has lost a beautiful lady, heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Our thoughts are with Dawn’s husband and family. RIP Dawn.’

Leigh Pollock:‘Dawn...four years ago I had to put my baby Ross into your nursery and your care. You had him until last year when he was ready for school. You loved and cared for him. Taught him so much and helped turn him into the gorgeous wee boy he is today. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart What happened to you is so wrong. You were such a beautiful loving person that rubbed off on Ross. No words will help your poor husband or family at this time but maybe they can get some comfort out of how much you were thought of and loved by your babies and parents at Glenburn. So so sorry R.I.P. love Leigh and Ross.’

Donna Logan: ‘I'm in total shock. Worked with Dawn at Hopscotch Nursery many years ago, she was such a lovely genuine person. My thoughts are with her family at this awful time. Gone but not forgotten ?’