I just learned of Dawn's passing. Dawn was a special person who I only knew for a brief period of time socializing with her and Rich "back in the day". I hope all the best for Rich and the rest of her family.

Dawn and I have many fundraising war stories... we worked together for nine years...One thing about Dawn, she lived live intensly. OMG I remember when she had those technologically challenged days, you knew we were in for one hell of a day. Those that know, know; it was way too funny. Another thinkg, you could definitely count on her to get whatever she had determined to do, done - dog with a bone - we said it so many times. She certainly was here on a mission... Dawn congratulations - Mission Accomplished, she did it all.So, it's with a very heavy heart that we must accept her departure... I will miss her tremendously. Nine years working shoulder to shoulder, battling together to reach our goals. She taught me so much; I will never forget her kindness, generosity and unbelievable humanity. We are left with one less great person in our lives, but grateful for having the opportunity of sharing it with her. My prayers are with Rich, her parents and the girls... as well as with all the very fortunate individuals that had the privilege to have her in their lives. With deepest sorrow,Sal Paniagua

Dawn and Salpartners at the Council fo Eductional Change

I have never met the Wilson family, but I am a proud and grateful member of the Marine family. I know what it's like to receive support from people I didn't know personally but with whom I share a special bond. These people helped me so much when my husband, a former Marine (but not an ex-Marine), passed away just over a year ago. In light of my experience, I send my heartfelt condolences and best wishes to the Wilson family at this difficult time...Jackie Hamburg, Mountain View, California

We have so memories and stories...We spent the last year and a half going to every concert we had ever seen together as teenagers. Still had fun ....I turned to her at a Foreigner Concert and said "Dont you wish we could have been in that era of the 60s so we could have went to Woodstock ... free love, no worries, pe*ing in the bushes?"And with that she looked at me and said..Please... we did that already! I looked at her and said...Youre right! We couldnt stop laughing! I will never forget those times...thememories!! My girl............. Linda

So many memories of this beautiful woman. Dawn was a great part of the K/3/5 family and is missed by all who knew her.Story #1: I was living in CO at the time, but visiting FL. The Wilson's had just moved to SoFL and I was ready for a first visit their new quarters. Dawn was in Orlando on work, I flew in there and she picked me up. Off for our 3 hr ride in a convertible Mustang (at 90mph), Dawn immediately launched into playing Motown music, saying, "I know you guys really loved this in 'Nam, figured it would bring back memories."Memories, yes. "I hate Motown!" was my response. We drove along for a few minutes in silence, then she said, "Well, that's what you get, so settle in." I did.Story # 2: Dawn was a fund raiser for Make-a-Wish and was stopping by Golden, CO to visit with EAS and Bill Phillips. We planned for Dawn to visit me in Colo Spgs and go on a hike Saturday. This was no simple hike, but a 1.75mi uphill struggle on the Manitou Incline. I repeatedly asked Dawn, the sea level marathoner, if she felt she was up for this. "No sweat, Newt," was her reply.I picked Dawn up early Sat morning at her hotel and asked about her breakfast. Dawn, in classic Dawn style, assured me she was adequately fueled on an energy bar (thanks EAS) and a Diet Coke. How many times, Willie, did we encourage Dawn to eat a 'real' breakfast?About 1/4 of the way into the hike I eased ahead of Dawn and my firm's accountant, Clark, a regular CO hiker. This is one helluva hike, and soon some distance developed between our two groups. Nearing the false top, I hollered out, "Doing great, Dawn, keep it up!" I could see Dawn, head hanging down, slowly forcing herself forward one step at a time (at 6,500 ft). Clark told me later that he pointed out my words of encouragement to Dawn, to which Dawn rather succinctly replied to Clark, "F#&^ Newton!" When she crested the top I made the mistake of offering Dawn my usual energy bar, some Fig Newtons, which she vehemently rejected, saying she hated such food. Ah, interchanges with Dawn were always stimulating!Rich, you have made it through a lot in life not the least of which was 1967 with K/3/5. Dawn and your daughters are shining examples of everything you did right!Harvey Newton ("Newt")K/3/5 60mm mortars, 12/66-12/67

Rich, We are saddened by the news of Dawn. She will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ray and Marsha Geier

Our heartfelt condolences, our hearts are saddened this day. Welost a beautiful soul and she will be missed. Rich this is a photo we took of you guys in Kansas 2005. What we will miss the most is the strength Dawn gave us all. Robert and Rose Herrera

Rich... my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I've only been involved with Newt and the group for several years, but I understand the sacrifices, commitment and love we all share for each other. 'Fair winds and following seas'...and may Dawn rest in the bosom of the lord for ever and ever.Semper FidelisBill BorgioK 3/5

After our final morning jog around Camp Del Mar at a First Marine Division reunion, something Dawn, Harvey Newton, and I did on occasion, Dawn, the marathon runner, said "Dick,I'm really going to miss having you to run with tomorrow.........there's just something about all thatheavy breathing.....way behind me!"A class act......we'll miss you, Lady.....................Dick Dickerson

OBITUARY

Dawn Wilson

July 25, 1959 – May 8, 2011

Fred Hunter's Funeral Home & Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens

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