John H. Dawson

John Humphrey Dawson, 85, died peacefully Monday, November 3rd 2014 at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas. He leaves his wife of over 56 years, Alma (Lavallee) Dawson; His son and daughter-in-law, Dwayne and Erin Dawson; His daughter and son-in-law Debbie and James Milby; and 4 grandchildren, Alex, Trevor, Mary and Jamie. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, he entered the workforce at an early age and found his niche in the food service industry. He met Alma while working at a resort in Lake Louise and they got married in 1958. They ran a small boarding house in Toronto together where they made many lasting memories before making the decision to move to the United States in 1968. After a short time in California the family moved to Las Vegas, where John took a job at the grand opening of the International Hotel. John worked as a waiter, captain and maitre d’ in many large hotels over the years including the Royal York in Toronto, and finishing his career at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. John had a wonderful way about him, was a great storyteller, was easy to talk to and loved to tell jokes. He cherished all the friends and memories he made since moving to Las Vegas in the 1960s. Two of his proudest memories were that his son served in the United States Marine Corps and his daughter served until retirement in the United States Army. Dad was a true patriot and loved military tradition, pomp and circumstance. John was an avid fisherman, spending many summers with his family and friends on the lakes in Utah where he owned a cabin at Swains Creek. He was also an extremely skilled hobbyist carpenter making many wonderful items for family and friends over the years, including a beautiful rocking horse and toy boxes for his grandsons. Funeral services will be held at 11am, Friday, 7 November at Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV. Burial will be a Palm Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Avenue immediately afterward. Donations in his name can be sent to the Salvation Army or Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, NV.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.