George Slawson

1931 - 2014

George Dodson Slawson

August 31, 1931 - February 17, 2014

George Dodson Slawson surprised us and slipped the bonds of this earth early Monday morning, February 17, 2014. When he left, a full, bright double rainbow appeared in the East.

If you were struggling for Civil Rights in the 60s, against the Vietnam War in the 70s, learning to write and to think in the 80s, or if you were a child in danger in the 90s or in this last decade, George Slawson stood with you, shouted with you, marched with you, sang with you, made you laugh, taught you, told you stories, or even saved you.

George was born in Dallas, Oregon on August 31, 1931, the son of teachers. He spent most of the next 65 years in schools, studying at Dallas High, Fresno State University, Oregon College of Education, San Francisco State, and finally graduate school at U of O. He began his teaching career at North High School, in Salem, and taught English and Film at Southern Oregon Community College, Fisk University in Nashville, then at Western Oregon University, from 1967 to his retirement in 1996.

In keeping with his passion to serve, in later years George volunteered his time and energies for the indigent and children. He began at Jason Lee United Methodist Church working in Kairos Kitchen, for 20 years managing and serving homemade soup and bread, on Sundays, to all who came through the door. He became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children, and for 12 years advocated in court for the best interests of children whose lives had been torn apart. Shortly before his death, he volunteered with the Citizen's Review Board to oversee the State's cases for foster children.

George was preceded in death by his son, Del Slawson; the rest of us - his wife, Karen, his children, Lee Ann and Gary Slawson, Casle Portner, Chris Jones, and Cassie Studer - will continue sharing his generous gifts in our own ways. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are reflections of his strength, kindness, wit and heroism. They will miss their Grandpa, as will countless other loved ones, students, friends and kitties. So it goes.

Please join us as we gather to remember and honor George on Sunday, March 16th at 2pm in the Pacific room, Werner University Center, at Western Oregon University. "To thee no star be dark. Both heaven and earth Friend thee forever." - Wm Shakespeare

Assisting the family Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.