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John Dawson Obituary
April 16, 1935 - December 10, 2017
Resident of Los Gatos
Jack passed away on December 10th at the age of 82. He was born in Seattle Washington in 1935. He graduated from Seattle University in 1957, and in June he married Lynn Loudon (his wife of 60 years). They traveled to the Santa Clara Valley where they decided he would pursue a degree in Law. He graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1960, having been the youngest person in his class. Jack and Lynn settled in Los Gatos where they raised their 3 children, Kerry, John, and Brett.
As a practicing Attorney in Campbell, he was actively involved in rotary and the Campbell Chamber of Commerce of which he held various roles, including President at the age of 28. He continued his involvement with the community with his coaching in local youth sports. Those sports included football, basketball, and baseball. Jack relished competition and preached Sportsmanship above all else. He served as President of his local Country Club (La Rinconada) in 1997, a place he enjoyed while trying to play golf as often as possible.
Jack was a recognized authority on Bankruptcy Law and was highly respected by those Judges in front of whom he regularly appeared, both in Federal and State court. This success led to him being noticed by large firms who continuously sought to hire him, but he maintained his independent practice. Jack was active among Santa Clara University Alumni and served on the Santa Clara University Board of Fellows.
Jack was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Mullane and Nora Mullane, and his brothers, Joseph Tyson and Michael Mullane. Jack is survived by his wife Lynn; Children Kerry (Jim), John, Brett (Katherine); grandchildren Megan (Steve), Ryan, Dorian (Trevor), Logan and Keely; and great-grandchildren Avery and Noah, brother Terry Mullane and sisters Kathy Thompson, Molly Beyer and Nancy Mullane, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Friends and Family are invited to his Memorial Service to be held at 11 a.m. Monday December 18th at St. Mary's Church 219 Bean Avenue, Los Gatos, California, with a celebration of life immediately following.
View the online memorial for John T. Dawson
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Memories and Condolences
for John Dawson
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Bill Daley
April 9, 2023
Mr. Dawson represented our father, he reminded me of Perry Mason, He was great! I had the privilege of having lunch with him as a teenager and he made me feel like an equal although I felt his greatness. My encounter was very brief but rememberable even after 38 years. RIP
Shelley Campbell
January 3, 2018
Hi Lynn, Im heartbroken to learn of Jacks passing and that I didnt know about the funeral. He was a truly wonderful father and husband and I know that you will miss him terribly. You know I would have been at the service had I known but I didnt hear from anyone. Love Shelley.
Dolores Sheffield
December 19, 2017
Dear Lynn
SO sorry to hear about Jacks passing.IT has been 7years that Alex
has been gone.You are in my thoughts.
Sincerely
Dee Sheffield
408 374 9147
Tim Grant
December 17, 2017
Jack was an island in the storm for me when I was a struggling law student. He took me under his wing and hired me on as his law clerk, and not only taught me the finer points of the practice of law, but also what it meant to be a man. Hanging out with Jack when I was young taught me many lessons, most of which I hope I have passed onto new generations. I sadly never could master his gift of the ready repartee, master storyteller, but who could ever match Jack in those areas? His friendships were varied to the extreme, from federal judges and congressmen to the simple man on the street. There will never be another quite like him. God bless.
December 17, 2017
Dear Lynn
John and Kathy Hughes
December 17, 2017
We were saddened today when Tom Hughes read the obituary for Jack. We went online to read the full obituary.
Jack shared many trials and tribulations in our lives. He was helpful as an attorney and also a friend.
He will be sorely missed.
Our hearts and prayers are with Lynn, John,
Brett and Kerry and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Due to previous obligations here on the Mendocino Coast, we will probably be unable to attend, but we will be with you in spirit.
John and Kathy Hughes
F.A. (Tony) Pestarino
December 16, 2017
Jack was one of the brightest, most practical attorneys that I ever met. Moreover, his gregarious, down-to-earth personality was always a hit with those who knew him. My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the entire Dawson family.
Stephanie Cappelloni
December 15, 2017
You will be missed. I will always remember your laugh and happy smile.
Stephanie Eichler
December 15, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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