Anthony "Tony" DAWSON

Anthony "Tony" Dawson, Professor Emeritus of English Literature and Theatre (UBC), author of nine texts on Shakespeare and Marlowe, past president of The Shakespeare Association of America, beloved father, partner, friend and scholar, died peacefully on June 2, 2024. Tony was born in Toronto in 1941 to parents, Paul Dawson and Nancy (Blanchard) Dawson, and spent his formative years in Montreal. He was awarded a PhD in English Literature from Harvard University (1970). Following graduation, he moved to Vancouver, where he taught for almost forty years at the University of British Columbia. Tony had a profound appreciation for literature, theatre, music, and history. He was widely respected as a prolific scholar, and beloved as a professor for the way he brought Shakespeare to life. His ability to translate and evoke the layers, depth, and history of literary texts was noted by all who had the honour to learn from him. Despite his successes, there remained a deep humility about him. He never worked for accolades but rather for the love of literature and performance. Family and friendship were Tony's top priority and brought him great joy and purpose. Tony deeply loved his partner, children, grandchildren, and large extended family. He also had a cherished international community connected by a love of theatre and literature, formed over the last fifty years, including colleagues, past students, theatre lovers, and intrepid travellers. Tony was a superb athlete and loved to explore the globe with his partner of almost 50 years, Honey Halpern. Together they kayaked, bicycled, skied, and hiked in many countries, on multiple continents. Diagnosed with Parkinson's nearly fifteen years ago, Tony bravely managed its symptoms and progression. Until the end, Tony never let his struggles get the better of him; he was deeply committed to finding ways to stay well and faced challenges and setbacks with humour and determination. His active life even in the face of illness was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was predeceased by his brother, Tom (2016). Survived by his partner, Honey; sons, Jeremy (Nevy) and Matthew (Jennifer); daughters, Emma (Andrew) and Claire (Jesse); and grandchildren, Isaiah, Esmé, Ezra, Ogden, Franklin, and Jacob; his brother, Peter (Anne); and sister-in-law, Judy. Special thanks to Shillah Mandaba for the loving care she gave him this past year. A celebration of his life will be held on August 30th at Van Dusen Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to Pacific Parkinson's Research Institute or Early Music Vancouver. "Good-night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."