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FUNERAL HOME

Angel Valley Funeral Home

2545 N. Tucson Blvd.

Tucson, Arizona

William Dawson Obituary

William Dawson age 67, passed away in Tucson on August 22, 2015. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Sr. and Jeanette Dawson and his brother, Mike Dawson. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Katie; his daughters, Rebecca (Jason) and Diana Dawson; his grandchildren, Tristan and Elena Dawson-Foundas; sisters, Jean (Frank) Chamblee, Maggie (Hector) Barraza, Mary Dawson, Sharon (Greg) Anderson and Patty (Giles) Cothron; stepmother, Cathy Dawson, Aunt Ruby Dawson and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Bill was born and raised in Tucson, attending Tucson High where he excelled in sports. He chose Michigan State for his college and was a starting defensive lineman each year of his eligibility. Upon graduation he and his new bride returned to Tucson where he taught and coached at Tucson High, Mansfeld Middle School, and Pueblo High School until his retirement. A Service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Oro Valley United Church of Christ, 1401 E. El Conquistador Way, Oro Valley. There will be a memorial luncheon following the services that will be held in the Cholla 100 room at Casas Church, 10801 N. La Cholla Blvd., Oro Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the MSU Football Players Assoc., Skandalaris Football Center, 771 Chestnut Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824 or to Oro Valley United Church of Christ. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Sep. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William Dawson

21 Entries

Barry Perlin, MD

January 6, 2024

I remember Bill from our childhood--.> elementary through High School age. Didn´t know Bill well, only knew he was ` big and scary´ if I messed up, but a powerful athlete in high school. Remember how humble he was when all the colleges started chasing him and the newspapers went Gaga over him; he was quite nice during those times when deciding to select the Spartans, the Alma mater of my wife as well.
Bill was a friend as well to my late father, the TV and radio broadcaster Bernie Perlin.
Anyway, having scanned Bill´s obituary, it looks like he led a fine life; Bill has left a lot of loving people behind to carry on his memory as a blessing to all who remember him.
My best to his family and loving friends this 6th day of January, 2024--> Barry Perlin, MD; Amphi high `66
U of A `70, `74

Emma Tarazon

October 11, 2015

Katie, Rebecca, and Diana,
My deepest condolences. Dawson truly loved you ladies more than anything in this world! He was an amazing man. We are blessed with so many things in life. I was lucky that Bill Dawson was a blessing in my life. Thank you for for letting me be part of the family the summer of '93. I have some fond memories of that summer. Good times :-) This knucklehead will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dan & Mary Ann Jay

October 6, 2015

We've known Bill as in-laws for the last seven years and enjoyed the visits with him and Katie. He had a remarkable life and without a doubt was a Michigan Spartan fan and loved football. He and Dan would talk about everything from politics to hunting and Dan will miss those high-powered discussions. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go to Katie, Rebecca & Diana.

October 4, 2015

This picture was taken on June 2, 2015 when Bill and Katie were on their "Up North". They had stopped to visit us in Northern Indiana before the final push to their Michigan home. So thankful that we had that time and so many others with this big teddy bear. We will miss him but hold the best memories of times in South Lyon and tailgating at MSU. Love to Katie, Diana, Rebecca and his entire family.
Ed and Brenda McLoud

October 3, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this hard time, He's loved by many and will be missed by all.
From the Strong Family
Jayme, Kayleen and Merv

The Pacheco Family

October 2, 2015

For the Dawson Family. We are truly sorry for the passing of our friend Bill. He was highly respected by all and will be remembered forever.

Armando Salaz

September 15, 2015

Dawson Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss. I have many memories of Bill at Pueblo High School. God Bless you and your family through this most difficult time.

Linda & Steve Juday

September 8, 2015

Katie, Rebecca, Diana,
Steve and I are so sorry for the loss of Bill, We will miss his smile and his love for MSU. We all will be thinking of him and the family this fall. Hope we can get together when we arrive in Tucson this winter.
Lovingly Steve & Linda Juday

September 7, 2015

Coach DAWSON was a motivator as a coach and his drive was incredible. Pueblo football 84/85 lots of respect.

Joyce Barton Ormes

September 7, 2015

I'm sending my prayers to Bill's family. I remember walking the halls of the old main at THS with Bill. He was such a wonderful person and will be missed by all. May God be with you as you remember the wonderful times with Bill.

THOMAS SMERZ

September 7, 2015

In the 1975 THS football season.I remember Mr.Bill Dawson at try outs for season started at cherry field. he was tuff but I loved his incredible sense of humor he always made me laugh.

September 5, 2015

Ps 23:1-6 May you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family & Friends

Debbie and Hector Gutierrez

September 4, 2015

Katie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. What a wonderful man Bill was and we were blessed to have known him. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Naomi Martinez

September 3, 2015

Mr. Dawson inspired my love for photography. My heart and prayers are with his family.

Hannah Godsey

September 3, 2015

I remember I had Mr Dawson at Pueblo..hes was always such a kind hearted, happy person. Great teacher and he had a lot of patience for us kids. My deepest condolances and prayers to your family. God Bless you and keep you.

September 3, 2015

Dear Katy and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Your 2nd Cousin,
Millie Zenk Howard City, Michigan

Cousin Holly & Cousin Bill

September 3, 2015

Cousin Katie, our hearts are with you and the entire Dawson clan. We so enjoyed the time we spent with Cousin Bill and you--he was a wonderful man, and we will always remember him fondly.

Dennis Turk

September 3, 2015

May this time of sorrow bring you peace and understanding.. I know that the time growing up with Bill only brings good memories to me . He will be missed by many and the memory of him will last for a very long time.. He was a very good close friend of mine and I will surely miss him.. RIP Bill

Maria Ramirez

September 3, 2015

He will be missed. He taught me so much on how to take pictures and devolp them. Thank you so much.

Valerie Swanson-Loveday

September 3, 2015

Dear Maryellen and the entire Dawson Family. So sorry to learn of your loss. It is also a great loss for the Tucson community. Have great memories of our times together during junior high and high school.

Bob and Terri Gastellum

September 3, 2015

Dear Dawson Family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Our family has many great memories of Bill! May God Bless and carry you through this most difficult time. We will miss our friend.

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