Donovon Lorenzo Dawson Obituary (2007

Donovon L. Dawson passed away suddenly at home on Friday, August 24th. He was 74. Don was born on March 31st, 1933 in Hill City, Minnesota to (mother) Janet Lydia Stewart and (father) Walter Dawson. Don and family moved to Seattle where he attended schools in the Burien area. After graduating from Franklin High School, Don began his career as a golf professional. He started by winning the caddie championship at Seattle Golf Club, followed by a stint as a teaching pro at the same club. He moved on to Sandpoint Golf Club and later Green River Golf Club. His promising career was cut short by a call to active duty in the Navy during the Korean conflict in1954. He spoke proudly of his time serving his country in the Navy and just recently enjoyed a day recounting those stories to his grandson while visiting the mothball fleet at PSNS. Don spent 2 years in active duty and several more in the Navy reserves. Don held a number of jobs upon returning from overseas, primarily in sales. He returned to his first love, golf when he became the manager and golf pro at Dungeness GC. It was there he found and married his beloved wife Maggie. Don described his job at Dungeness as the "chief cook and bottle washer", getting involved in everything from golf course maintenance, real estate, catering and everything in between. Don enjoyed traveling the country in their motor home with both Maggie and his constant companion Charlie. In addition to golf, Don enjoyed following the Mariners, Seahawks and Huskies. He devoured every bit of information available on all three teams and loved to debate and discuss recent sports activities with anyone, starting most conversations with "when are they going to get rid of that bum?" Don most recently worked in the garden department at the Poulsbo Wal-Mart where he enjoyed being valued for his particular knowledge and expertise. He was amazed and quite proud that he could still get a decent job at 74. Don was taken away from his loved ones way too soon. We all miss his opinions; his stories and his unique way of letting us all know he loved us. We all believe he's currently 4 under at the turn and anxious to play the back nine. Don is survived by his wife Maggie Dawson and sister Nancy Huber. His extended family includes his children Kelly Taylor, Kevin Dawson, Robin Peterson, Shelley Cornelius, Hap Peterson, Marc Peterson and Loretta Peterson, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Hit 'em straight Don!