Richard Dawson

Born to Jerry Dawson and Mary Ellen Byrnes on January 14th, 1949 in Muskegon, MI, Dick was one of 8 children. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in English Literature, working full-time throughout college to pay his own way through. He met the love of his life Lori Lynn Porter and was married on December 2nd, 1978. He worked as a substance abuse counselor and a job counselor for many years, ending his career as a substitute teacher at TCAPS.

Dick was a dedicated blood donor for the American Red Cross, giving over 13 gallons in his lifetime. An avid bird watcher, he provided Michigan bird counts to the Audubon Society. His passions were playing tennis until the sun went down, cheering on the Michigan State Spartans, and playing trumpet in the Second Time Arounders Marching Band during local parades. He attended Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City for many years, then Sacred Heart Church after moving to Elk Rapids. He loved the Old Town Playhouse and musicals in particular. He took the stage in several plays including 1776, The Music Man and Annie. His shining performance was playing Merlin the Magician in Camelot. He adored Harry Potter, and even dressed up as Dumbledore for fans lining up to buy the new book along Front Street in downtown TC.

He was always willing to help others, and was a proud member of, and sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous. He was a loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Godfather, Mentor, Counselor, Teacher and Friend. Dick could be found dancing the night away at weddings or at the Daw-Lack-Ita annual family camping trip, with a glide in his stride and a dip in his hip.

He is preceded in death by his Mother, Father, Brother Jerry and Brother-in-Law Greg Lack. He is survived and remembered lovingly by his Wife Lori, His Son Cody (& Jennie), His siblings, Ellen Fogle, Mary Jane Cook (Bill), Sue Lack, Kathleen Sierminski (Jim) Pat Dawson, Tom Dawson (Teri), his Sister-in-Laws Shelley, Tammy and Christina, Brother-in-Laws Dennis, Dane and Jim, and his many nieces and nephews.

He loved with all of his heart, and will be loved and missed deeply. A Memorial/Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (143 Charles St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629) on Friday, October 30th, 2015 @ 1 PM. There will be a post-mass reception at the Social Hall next door. More information can be found at www.homeofthedawsonfamily.com.