Tom passed away unexpectedly on December 16, 2018 after being briefly hospitalized when he contracted pneumonia. Tom was a wonderful husband, grandfather, stepfather and friend. He was beloved by all and will be deeply missed by not only his family, but by everyone who knew him.
Tom was born in Glasgow, Scotland on October 3, 1936. He moved to the United States in 1968 where he lived in San Diego with his brother, Scott. In 1976 he married Olga. Tom and Olga Dawson were very much in love and remained happily married for 42 years until his passing.
Tom had a cheerful demeanor, a terrific sense of humor and an industrious manner. Tom was active in the community. He worked for San Diego State University for nearly 20 years. Tom joined the House of Scotland in the 1980s. He served as Vice President of the House of Scotland. He was tremendously involved in all of their functions. Sometime in the early 1990s Thomas and Olga joined the Elks Club. As a member, Tom volunteered and also helped raise money for the Sevick School. Every year Tom also helped to construct and decorate the floats for the annual Mother Goose Parade.
Tom and Olga loved the outdoors and were avid explorers who were keen on traveling with fellow Elks Club members. They frequently participated in expeditions with their local RV camping group, the “Wandering Elks Group II” (WEG). Olga and Tom took great delight in these adventures. They travelled to many states. Tom and Olga also traveled to Europe numerous times to visit Tom’s family and see the sights of Great Britain and other European countries. Tom and Olga found great pleasure in visiting museums and learning about the history and culture of the places where they stayed.
Olga and Tom had a membership at The Carlsbad Inn for more than 30 years where they spent many lovely days enjoying entertainment in the sunshine on the lawn at the Inn, going for long walks on Carlsbad Beach and swimming in the ocean.
If there was a festival in town or music to listen to around the county, Tom and Olga knew about it and would take part in the fun. They were regulars at Balboa Park, Seaport Village, Cabrillo Monument and La Jolla Cove. In September and October of 2018, they visited San Francisco for nearly two weeks and then spent another week in October at The Carlsbad Inn.
Even though Tom appreciated a good time, he was always busy helping his family and without exception, he was there to do whatever needed to be done whenever anyone was in need. He unfailingly had a smile and a joke and never a complaint. We will all remember Tom fondly for the many ways in which he truly enriched our lives
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