Gary A. Dobson

1957 - 2015

Westerly - Gary A. Dobson, 57, of Westerly, finished his last bike ride peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, after succumbing to a valiant six-year battle with bile duct cancer. He was at home being held close by his devoted and loving wife and children.

Born on June 16, 1957, he was the beloved husband of Pamela J. Connors and the eldest son of the late Herbert and Janet (Taylor) Dobson Jr. In his early years, Gary was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and the Washington County 4-H Program; proudly raising a grand champion steer at his parents' Indian Acres Farm in Charlestown, R.I. Graduating in 1975 from Chariho Regional High School, Gary was a varsity, All-State athlete in soccer, basketball, and track and field. Excelling in the sport of basketball, he became the first Chariho Charger to score 1,000 points, in the era prior to three-point baskets. During the 1974-1975 season, Gary scored over 500 points and averaged 23 points per game.

Attending Thames Valley Technical College from 1975 to 1977, he received an associate's degree in electrical engineering. In 1977, he continued his education at the University of Rhode Island, graduating in 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. Following graduation, he was initially employed by the Harris Corp., Cheseborough-Ponds, and then began a career with Tek Data Systems as a computer systems engineer. In 2013, he embarked on a new venture, opening Gastroenterology and Digestive Wellness for his wife, where he was the managing director. This opportunity gave his family the ability to work side-by-side, together towards a common goal. The business environment was full of laughter, positive energy, and happy memories.

In 1986, Gary married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Pamela J. Connors. The two moved to Boston, Philadelphia, and back to Boston, finally settling in Westerly. They have five beautiful and successful children, Sarah, Hannah, Timothy Joseph (TJ), Lauren, and Rachel, all of whom he adored. He was forever proud of their motivation and commitment to excellence.

Gary spread his love for basketball through more than 10 years of coaching his children in the town recreational league and at the YMCA. His exceptional coaching talents extended to the local AAU basketball team, the Ocean State Waves, when his daughter Hannah took a serious interest in the sport. Forever taking great pride in her athletic accomplishments, his coaching talents followed Hannah to the Rhode Island Breakers, where he coached a younger team and was able to travel with her.

In addition to his passion for basketball, Gary enjoyed running, cycling, and photography. He racked up thousands of miles and memories on his bicycle, many shared with his dear friend, Dr. Jeffrey Christian. In 2015, Gary was recognized for his athletic accomplishments and inducted into the Chariho Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Gary was a lifetime member of the Westerly Yacht Club, Christ Church, and a charter member of the Watch Hill Yacht Club.

He will be profoundly missed by his wife of 28 years, Pamela J. Connors, and their loving children, Sarah, Hannah, Timothy Joseph (TJ), Lauren, and Rachel. In addition, Gary leaves behind his sisters, Elizabeth Dobson, Wendy Walsh and her husband, Larry, all of Westerly, and Sylvia Overend and her husband, Steven; his brother, John Dobson and his wife, Kerri, of Charlestown, R.I.; as well as nine nieces and nephews. Remembered as a loving father and husband, his soft-spoken nature and amazing sense of humor will be forever missed.

A celebration of Gary Dobson's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Christ Church, 7 Elm St., Westerly. The burial will be private, and calling hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary A. Dobson Memorial Scholarship Fund, checks payable to the Chariho Sports Boosters, mailed to 14 Seabury Drive, Westerly, RI 02891.

Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.