John Hamilton Dawson

John Hamilton DAWSON Seattle Surgeon for 49 Years June 26, 1926 - February 7, 2007 A distinguished surgeon who served his patients with consummate technical skill and extraordinary compassion through six decades, died February 7, 2007 from the effects of acute myelogenous leukemia. He maintained a vibrant practice until the summer of 2006 when he retired at age 80. He was a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington Medical School from 1985-2006, Chief of Surgery at Swedish Hospital from 1992-1996 and a Trustee of the American Medical Association from 1983-1990. Dr. Dawson was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1926. From his parents he inherited the sound virtues of the heartland - a solid work ethic and a sense of fairness. Equally important, he absorbed a belief that the highest calling in life was service towards others. Entering East High School in 1941, John quickly demonstrated an aptitude for scholastic achievement. In his junior year his science teacher suggested he enter a statewide chemistry contest. He didn't win, but he came in second and gained confidence in his abilities. Following graduation from high school in 1943, he enrolled in the V-12 Program with the Navy, which offered the promise of a paid college education and a chance to attend medical school. He was one of two Iowa candidates accepted at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Under the accelerated V-12 Program, he completed his degree at Brown in only 20 months. He entered Northwestern University Medical School in 1946 and graduated in 1950. In the spring of 1946, he applied for a summer job with every National Park west of the Mississippi. A handful responded, and he picked Zion because it was further west than the others. For the next three summers he served as a Park Ranger at Zion and Yosemite National Parks. Though brief, his time as a Ranger became a fundamental part of his identity. In April of 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Hansen, the daughter of Dr. Neils Hansen, the person who had the greatest impact on his decision to become a doctor. Together they raised six sons. They were divorced in 1990. When the Korean War broke out Dr. Dawson volunteered, despite the fact that his military obligations were complete. He served as a battalion surgeon with the First Marine Division from 1951-1952, and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. The poverty and suffering of Korea left a lasting impression on him, and he vowed that if he had the chance to return he would. That opportunity arose in 1963, when he was offered the position of Chief of Surgery at a Presbyterian Mission hospital in Taegu. In Korea he was confronted with a variety of surgical demands that he had never encountered, including reconstructive and pediatric procedures. Although sometimes overwhelmed, he was also exhilarated, and he felt the three years in Korea were the most professionally rewarding of his life. The years in Korea also precipitated a life-long interest in leprosy. He served on the American Leprosy Board for 24 years and was instrumental in research efforts to develop a vaccine for leprosy through the Infectious Disease Research Institute in Seattle. Dr. Dawson volunteered as the "team doctor" for Mercer Island High School sports teams for 26 years. Countless graduates of the school remember him as a constant fixture on the side lines or in the stands. After games he would often visit injured players in their homes. An avid outdoorsman, he was particularly fond of bicycling, which he took up in the late 1980's. With an athletic physique, he possessed remarkable endurance. Younger riders - including his own sons - wondered how a rider his age could maintain such a demanding pace. His favorite ride was across his native state of Iowa, which he participated in nine times. When asked what shaped his approach to medicine, Dr. Dawson said that he was motivated by his Christian faith. The destiny of all his patients, he believed, was in the hands of God. Being a physician was his chosen career, but, more importantly, it was a calling. Dr. Dawson's second wife, Colleen Brangwin, predeceased him in 1993. In September of 2005, John married Lori LeVigne. Their marriage brought them joy, contentment and peace. Lori cared lovingly for John in his final months. He is survived by his wife, Lori Dawson, his sister, Jean Meyer, his six sons, Steven, Mark, Peter, David, James and Daniel, and fifteen grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The John H. Dawson, M.D. Breast Cancer Endowment at the Swedish Medical Center Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122-4307. There will be a Memorial Service to honor his Life at University Presbyterian Church, 4540 15th Ave. NE, on Monday, February 26th at 2:00 p.m. Please sign the online guestbook at www.legacy.com.