Dennis Dawson

Dennis Dawson considered himself to be the luckiest man alive. He would say this often, quoting the words of Seneca that "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." Dennis lived his life carving opportunities for himself and being prepared for whatever those opportunities had in store for him - as a teacher, an entrepreneur, and a professional bridge player. To those who knew and loved him, Dennis was remarkable - he was an exceptional listener, generous friend, and fiercely loving father whose calm presence would often make way for a quick joke or poignant story.

Dennis took great joy in his favorite passions - bridge, Texas Longhorns football, and his family. Growing up, he moved around due to his father's service in the military and the USPS, as an inspector. Eventually, he landed in Richardson, TX where he graduated high school and went on study at the University of Texas, Austin before earning his masters at the University of Michigan. It was during these years that he discovered and developed his bridge game, which became a lifelong obsession and profession. After graduate school, Dennis moved to Boston and briefly worked as an actuary before opening a bridge club with his former wife, Jackie. This entrepreneurial endeavor grew to become the second-largest bridge club in the country and gave way to bridge lessons, bridge vacations, and eventually playing on the professional bridge circuit. For many years, Dennis lived in Santa Fe, NM where he gained a following of bridge students with his "Santa Fe Precision" system. He was a published author, a Grand Life Master of the American Contract Bridge League, a National Champion, and a Bronze Medal winner at the World Championships. He won over 17,000 masterpoints and over 200 regional events. He is included in the Encyclopedia of Bridge. Since he began teaching in 1975, Dennis taught thousands of students how to better their bridge game.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Jane. He is survived by his children Christopher Dawson and wife, Lauren; Kimberly Dawson Ohiomoba and husband, Osa; five grandchildren, Stafford, William, and Plum Dawson, and Eliana and Leora Ohiomoba; and many friends. It is also important to acknowledge both Jacqueline Altschuler and Sally Sabo, who are his former significant others and gave him tremendous support during his life.

Special thanks to doctors, nurses, and support staff at Massachusetts General Hospital who helped steward Dennis with comfort in his final days.

A celebration of Dennis' life will take place in Santa Fe, NM at a later date. Remembrances may be sent to Kimberly Dawson Ohiomoba at 2 Thurston St, Boston, MA 02128.