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Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home - North Canton

1425 S. Main Street

North Canton, Ohio

Alan Dawson Obituary

Alan Dawson

A private burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. There will be a memorial service (TOMORROW) Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 11 AM at Zion United Church of Christ with visitation following the service. If you wish to send a memorial donation in his name, you could choose Zion UCC (415 South Main Street, North Canton, OH 44720) or For Paws Animal Hospital for their For Paws Project for the treatment of injured and sick animals (1396 South Main Street, North Canton, OH 44720).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Repository on Oct. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Dawson

Not sure what to say?





Ed Strong

April 8, 2024

A childhood friend and fellow church member at Kings Lawn United Presbyterian church on Ralph Ave. in Brooklyn; friendly rivals at playing the piano. he was better. Very sorry to hear of this passing,

Sue Mattocks

October 8, 2023

Alan you and Sandy stuck with me through thick and thin when so many other friends didn´t all those years ago. That meant the world to me! I just know you are up in Heaven making all those angels laugh and watching over your wonderful wife Sandy.LOVE YOU ALWAYS...Suzi

Ellen Erlanger

October 8, 2023

Missing our one-in-a-million Alan....Sandy, my thoughts and prayers are with you, now and always. With love, Ellen

Mike Griggs

October 8, 2021

Mike Griggs

October 8, 2021

Mike Griggs

October 8, 2021

Mike Griggs

October 8, 2021

Mike Griggs

October 8, 2021

Mike Griggs

October 8, 2021

Mike Griggs

October 8, 2021

I first met Alan when he was the announcer for the GlenOak HS swim meets. Al and Sandy and the coaches and their spouses would often go for dinner post meet. The pictures were at Nelson's Ledges Quarry, where we spent the afternoon scuba diving.

Sue and Sherm

October 8, 2021

We will never, never, never forget our dear sweet Alan and all the fun we had together. Sandy, you were an angel to take care of them the way you did during those last few years and I know Al is looking down smiling and agreeing with me. LOVE you both, always have and always will

Mike Sampsel

November 14, 2020

I met Alan doing theater at Washington High in the late 60s. He was one of my favorite teachers there and he always made me smile, laugh, and think. He helped me get a Player's Guild scholarship that helped me in my first year of college.
I regret finding out late about Mr. Dawson's passing. He meant so much to my life and I will always miss and think of him. So sorry for your loss Sandy. You were blessed to have him a long while!

richard henzel

October 31, 2020

In my junior year in the spring of 1966, Mr. Dawson called me into his classroom and handed me a postcard with an announcement for auditions at Mount Union College for their summer repertory season. I spent the next two summers there acting in plays, working in stage crews, and taking classes. This is how teachers change our lives.

Mick Robinson

October 26, 2020

Sorry we were out of town when Alan died. I had most recently seen him when I officiated at a few memorial services for friends we had in common.
He always gave me a grade on my "presentation "
As a freshman at Jackson, he talked me into taking a full year of speech. I ended up loving the class, and had no idea then how God used that one class to prepare me for my future.

My path in ministry has required frequent public speaking since 1972.

Alan made it fun and gave me confidence as a "public speaker" (youth pastor and Sr Pastor)

I was thrilled to have Mr Dawson in attendance at a memorial service in our current building, 1700 Hankins Rd. Massillon, ohio. I was able to share with him how God provided this property to us.
Wish I had gotten to know you better, Sandy. Thank you so much for sharing Alan wwith us.

Pastor Mick Robinson
Grace Bible Church
Massillon, Ohio

Cindy Rossetti-Audi

October 20, 2020

Mr. Dawson, as a former student he will always be that to me, was such a wonderful, entertaining, and kind Teacher, Santa, and human being. He always remembered who you were and always made you feel special. He made this world such a better place and I know that he is laughing, or making God laugh right now!

Marlene Duke DuBois

October 20, 2020

Mr. D. was the best acting teacher. I was so shy and he made me feel I could be an actress which I was for many decades. I loved him calling me one of his "flat girls." Hope all the loving memories help you, Sandy.

Tom Kauth

October 19, 2020

To Family,

You have my deepest sympathy in the passing of Alan. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I had the privilege to work with Alan for many years. He was an excellent teacher and admired by many.

Jorgene Hayden

October 19, 2020

Mr. D you are my hero. And you will never be forgotten. You changed my life and for that I am grateful. Sandy I am so sorry to here about his passing. Sending you a big virtual hug.

Larry Slagle

October 18, 2020

Sorry for your loss Sandy. Great memories of Mr. Dawson and high school theater. He was such a positive influence and will never be forgotten.

Linda (Blosser) Geinitz

October 18, 2020

I was in Father of the Bride under Mr. Dawson at Massillon Washington High School. He was a good teacher, kind, and well respected. He was Santa in the community for years and years. So sorry to hearing his death. My heart goes out to his beloved wife Sandy.

Scott and Mary Papas

October 17, 2020

Dear Sandy,

Mary and I have many happy memories of our times together. Of course most of these involved your dear pets. We have spoken of you two often, since our post-retirement relocation out of state. The memories of the Holiday get togethers are among the happiest times times that we revere.
Alan will live on in our hearts, as will you. With Love, Scott and Mary

Ed Meunier

October 17, 2020

Alan and I first met as teaching colleagues at Taft Middle School. Soon after, we became friends. Alan was a dedicated and gifted
teacher and a talented performer on stage. He asked me to audition for a play, and I am forever grateful that he introduced me to such a delightfully addictive hobby as the performing arts. For years Alan was my best friend, and he helped me in many ways. I always looked forward to our meetings over coffee. Who can forget Alan's wonderful laughter? Who would want to forget?

Robert Hecht

October 17, 2020

Condolences to his wife, Sandy and family. Remember Alan from Muskingum ‘63. Was a nice gentleman.

Victor Stefan

October 16, 2020

Alan Dawson love of life showed not only in getting to know him but in all the thoughtful and talented ways of expressions from being on stage to filling in for Santa. God bless the Dawson family. The Stefan family

Connie Oberlin

October 16, 2020

I had Mr Dawson for speech in school he was a wonderful teacher and one of my very favorites. He made class so interesting and less scarey when we had to give a speech. My deepest condolences to his family. May God Bless Connie Oberlin

Gretta Stock

October 16, 2020

Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of Alan's Homegoing. You have my deepest condolences and are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember many good times that Tom and I shared with you and Alan at Northminster Presbyterian Church. I know he will be missed greatly by all those he came in contact with. May God comfort you with His love and peace in these difficult times.

Donna Mathias

October 15, 2020

Dear Sandy, So sorry to hear of Alan’s passing, he was one of a kind and how wonderful you shared a loving life together. I’m sure Doug and June greeted him in heaven along with all his loved ones. Hug and blessings to you.

Mike Griggs

October 15, 2020

Katie (Shackle) Watson

October 15, 2020

Mr. Dawson was one of my all time favorite teachers. His joy for educating and love of his students made us want to learn. He taught my eighth grade language arts class at Middlebranch and I am a better person because of him.

Living Spirit Dishgarden

William Georges

Sent Flowers

Heather Fisher

October 15, 2020

So sorry to hear of Mr. Dawson’s passing. He was one of my favorite teachers...his drama class was the best!!!

Sarah Howes McIntosh

October 15, 2020

One of my most memorable teachers. Always with a laugh and a smile. Watching his Alfred P Doolittle inspired me to be on the Mian stage at the PG one day and happy to say I did! God Speed.

Dr. David Mulnick

October 14, 2020

I was fortunate enough to have Alan as a dramatics director, a teacher, and a friend. I met him while in high school in Massillon, Ohio, not long after he began teaching, and immediately saw his passion for the theater and the arts.
Over the years, he was a friend to my entire family, and earned my respect and admiration.
I know that Sandy can take comfort in the thoughts and prayers of so many people that were touched by Alan's life.
He will be sorely missed.

Mary Lou Ianni

October 14, 2020

Rest In Peace Alan. Mary Lou Ianni

Edye (Mulnick) Skidmore

October 14, 2020

Sandy,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Dawson. I always called him Mr. Dawson! He was such an important part of my childhood. I hope he and my mom are kibbutzing together. I’m sure you will miss him but know you have a lifetime of memories to help you through the pain. Our love and prayer to you❤

Peggy Reed

October 14, 2020

Sandy, Sue and family you have my condolences. He was a wonderful teacher and beloved by many. Prayers.

Jo Ann Pinter

October 14, 2020

I am so sorry to learn of Mr. D's passing. He was a great teacher and instilled in me a love of theater that I enjoy today (on and off stage). He touched many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.

Jeff and Marcia Rubin

October 14, 2020

We were so lucky to have Alan as a friend. While he will be missed we are blessed to have many wonderful and funny memories to keep in our hearts. Our love and prayers go out to Sandy and family at this most difficult time.

Rod and Sandi Lang

October 14, 2020

Alan was a rare and precious soul. His kindness, generosity and his wonderful laugh will be missed by everyone who knew him. All our thoughts are with Sandy and the family.

Samantha Conde

October 14, 2020

Mr. Dawson was such an amazing teacher, he sparked a live of reading in me and for that I say thank you!

Annie Wells

October 14, 2020

What a dear man Alan was! My condolences to his beloved Sandy. I used to love his exuberant stories about life as a boy in NYC or his special memories from his teaching career---always smiling, always full of life. No doubt there is great rejoicing in Heaven as this sweet soul has come Home; may his spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Raven Wolfe (Ruth Meiselman)

October 14, 2020

Alan and I became good friends when he was a teacher and involved in the Canton Player's Guild. My mother (who was involved in the Player's Guild) brought him home and we became good friends almost immediately. I was a student at Akron University at the time and Alan would come over to our house to play the piano, to make us laugh, to convince my mother that I was just "going through a phase". Alan never failed to make me laugh. And I went through many "phases" that my pal Alan always seemed to understand. I loved Alan. He accepted me, he supported everything I did. He was a talented actor. Kind and generous. I miss him.
To Sandy....how very blessed you are to have been loved so deeply by Alan. He was one of a kind of man this world needs more of.

Steve Luke

October 14, 2020

I would like to express my deepest sympathies on Alan's passing. We were in The Sunshine Boys at the North Canton Playhouse together many years ago. It was an honor to share the stage with him.

Deb Rope Gepfrey

October 14, 2020

Sandy I am so sorry to hear of Mr. D’s passing. He was a great director and I enjoyed being in Struts and Frets. Please accept my sympathy and know that you are in my prayers. Deb Rope Grpfrey

Sue and Sherm

October 14, 2020

Loved that man!!! Will always miss those euchre games and the most wonderful Santa Claus ever. Alan was one of a kind...the best kind.. He is probably totally entertaining all the heavenly angels with his many stories❤❤❤❤❤❤

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Ellen Erlanger

Planted Trees

Alluring Elegance Bouquet

Kelly Tanner

Sent Flowers

Heidi Jo Fulk

October 14, 2020

Dan and I are so grateful to have benefitted from Mr. Dawson's love of learning and teaching as middle schoolers and to have witnessed the testimony of your long, faithful marriage. We asking the Lord to give His comfort for your heart and soul.

Claudia Sammet

October 14, 2020

This wonderful man was the best mentor a new teacher could ever ask for. He helped me more than anyone else in my entire career. I loved him and am sad beyond belief that he is gone. I am so sorry, Sandy.

Janice Huffman

October 13, 2020

Here is a hug from me

Janice Huffman

October 13, 2020

Oh Sandy. I am so sorry to see this Happy loving face here. Take care of you. Love to you
Jan Huffman

Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results

Make a Donation
in Alan Dawson's name

Memorial Events
for Alan Dawson

Oct

17

Visitation

Zion United Church of Christ

415 South Main Street, North Canton, OH

Oct

17

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Zion United Church of Christ

415 South Main Street, North Canton, OH

Funeral services provided by:

Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home - North Canton

1425 S. Main Street, North Canton, OH 44720

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