Roy Edward Dawson

 Roy Edward Dawson, 78, of Lafayette, passed away on Sept. 9th, after struggling for years with heart disease. Roy was a devoted husband of 31 years to Kathleen Dawson and a loving father to Jeff and David Dawson, and he was deeply adored by his two grandchildren Ashley and Stella.

 Roy was an inspiring biology instructor at both CU Boulder and CU Denver. He completed his PhD in Science Education in 2002. He especially valued diverse students and made personal connections within his classes. His efforts were rewarded twice by his students as a recipient of “Who’s Who of American Teachers.”

 A native Coloradan, Roy graduated from Central High School in Aurora, CO in 1964. Following graduation, he joined the US Navy and served in Vietnam.

 While supporting his family, he completed his BA in Biology from CU in 1977. Roy earned his MA in Environmental Population and Organismic Biology, completing his thesis on his research of prairie dog populations.

 Roy enjoyed the challenge of home improvement projects and circumnavigating Waneka Lake with Kathleen. Together the couple embarked on travel adventures, including Spain, Ireland, and Africa, as well as long RV explorations through America’s national parks and remote sites. They hiked, kayaked, and birded throughout the United States. Mexico and Canada.

 Roy was previously married to Jean Roach, they later divorced. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Berry Lameiro Dawson, sons Jeff Dawson (Susan) of Chicago, and David A. Dawson (Lijun Wang) of Baltimore, a brother, Ray Dawson of Fort Collins, and 2 grandchildren, Ashley Dawson Strathern and Stella Dawson.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bernice Dawson.

 A memorial service is planned at 3 pm, on Oct. 6th at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 2425 Colorado Ave. Boulder, CO 80302, with Rev. Mary Kate Rejois officiating.

 Donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203, www.Nature.org in Roy’s memory.