Obituary: Dawson, Don
Age 72
DAWSON, Don
Don Dawson was the devoted husband of Marie Dawson nĂŠe Hoyer, loving father to Deanna Dawson and Lisa Welsh and father-in-law to Clancy Welsh, and proud Papa of Abby and Braeden Welsh.
He was born in Spokane, WA on July 26, 1940, and passed away in Goodyear, AZ on August 10, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his brother Bob Dawson, and his parents George and Mary “Pat” Dawson.
Don proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard.
And although he was a graduate of Eastern Washington University, he always considered himself a Husky- perhaps because it was while he was a student at the University of Washington that he met the love of his life, Marie.
He asked Marie to marry him on their second date.
Although she thought he was joking at the time, this was one of the few times that he was being entirely serious.
They married on February 3, 1968 and were happily married for 44 years.
Don achieved great career success with State Farm Insurance, first as an Agent, then as an Executive.
His success was not just due to his work ethic (which was extraordinary), or his gifts as a salesman (although truth be told, he could sell ice to Eskimos).
Rather, he excelled in his career because he truly cared about helping his clients protect their families, and about helping his employees achieve their full potential.
While he was a serious businessman, Don also knew how to have serious fun.
He was a lifelong golfer, and finally got that hole in one that had been eluding him just one week shy of his 71st birthday, on hole number 12 at Manito.
He was a renowned storyteller with a legendary sense of humor.
He was known for his generosity of spirit, and was the best friend you could hope to have.
But even more than he loved his friends and yes, even more than he loved his golf, he loved his family.
His grandchildren Abby and Braeden were the lights of his life, and he was full of pride at all that his daughters Deanna and Lisa had accomplished.
His oft repeated line to Marie was, “Everything I do, I do for you and the girls.”
He did so much for so many, and we are all richer for having known him.
He loved well, he was well loved, and he will indeed be missed.
We will celebrate Don’s life on August 31, 2012 with a Funeral Mass at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, followed by a reception at Manito Golf and Country Club where we share our favorite stories about Don, of which there are many.
Specific details to follow.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to Catholic Charities or to Meals on Wheels of Spokane.