Dr. Donald Allan DAWSON

DR. DONALD ALLAN DAWSON BA, AM, PHD, NDC Son of the late Allan Forbes Dawson and Christena Wallace. Donald (or Digger as his friends would call him) passed peacefully away on July 9, 2010 after a brave 10 month battle with AML at the age of 70. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 45 years, Joyce, children Hillary (Mario Joannette) and Tim (Sarah Grundy) and his cherished grandson Luc Joannette. Don was the beloved son-in-law of Beth Taylor. Born in Toronto, Don spent his formative years in Guelph and Chatham. He then distinguished himself as a Gold Medalist in Economics at the University of Western Ontario. He served 3 years in the Canadian Army before returning to academic pursuits in 1965 at the University of Chicago as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow completing an A.M. at Chicago and a PhD at the University of Western Ontario in 1969. Don joined the Department of Economics at McMaster University in 1969. He taught there full time until his retirement in 2006. During his career he also took time to take on several important external positions. These included Research Director and Executive Secretary at the Ontario Economic Council and Director of the Regulated Sector Branch, Bureau of Competition Policy at Consumer and Corporate Affairs in Ottawa. Don also had the privilege of being selected as a member of Course XXIX at the National Defence College in Kingston where he had a unique opportunity to travel the world and study critical political and economic issues in various countries as they related to Canada. There he formed lifelong friendships with colleagues on many continents. At McMaster, Don was considered an enthusiastic teacher, renowned for his innovative teaching methods which he always combined with a wry sense of humour. Don was one of the few professors chosen by Maclean's Magazine as a 'no miss' for students. He also served as a leader in the academic and university setting by serving 3 years on the Senate, 6 years on the Board of Governors , served as Assistant to the President for Academic Planning, and a term as the President of the Faculty Association. This work did not include the large number of committees both academic and administrative. Don continued to teach part time after his retirement, especially his hugely popular 'Economics of Professional Sports' course, until his illness would not let him continue. Don was an enthusiastic supporter of athletics. He was an active fixture on the squash courts at Western and McMaster for 50 years, including coaching the Varsity Squash team from 1982-1986 and teaching many a much younger opponent that 'Zen Squash' often triumphed in the end. In the last several years, he served as Academic Advisor to the McMaster Football team. He was also a regular figure at Luc's many soccer, hockey, and football practices and games. Don made contributions to the community as well. He served as Chair of the Board of the Hamilton and District Association for the Mentally Retarded. He was an active volunteer and coach with the Special Olympics activities, supporting the local bowling program for many years. Don also was passionate about radio. An amateur radio and short wave enthusiast, he translated his love for this medium into his active engagement with CFMU, well known for filling our Wednesday mornings with his Jazz & Wrazz show ­ a show full of the music he loved and tongue in cheek repartee about the squared circle that he continued for 24 years. Additionally, he delighted in being the voice of McMaster men's football and women's basketball for a decade. Joyce and the family offer their sincere thanks to Drs. Wasi and Leber and the superb staff of the 3Z clinic at McMaster Medical Centre whose good natured and compassionate care ensured that Don's quality of life was extended and enjoyed for as long as it could be. As well, thanks to the staff and volunteers of Carpenter Hospice in Burlington for their kindness and support and the dignity they provided in his last days. Joyce would also like to offer special thanks to Dr. Lind Holland. At Don's request, the family has had a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's memory through Marlatt Funeral Home, Dundas to the 3Z Clinic at MUMC, Hamilton Health Sciences or to the Jumpstart Foundation. As the beneficiary of the blood donations of so many, Don asked that any who are able consider donating blood in his memory. All are welcome to attend a gathering of friends to celebrate Don's life on Wednesday July 28, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. at the Great Hall of the University Club (Faculty Club) at McMaster University, Hamilton. On-line tributes may be made at www.marlattfhdundas.com.