David Dodson

1945 - 2025

In Loving Memory of David Dodson.

1945 2025.

David Dodson, 80, a lifelong Arizonan and recent Portland transplant, passed away in June 2025. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, David was a proud graduate of the University of Arizona and a man deeply rooted in the spirit and beauty of the desert Southwest.

David lived a full, principled, and quietly remarkable life. He was a man of depth, calm, composed, and graceful in even the most challenging situations. His honesty, strength of character, and quiet wisdom left a lasting impression on everyone who had the good fortune to know him.

He had a lifelong appreciation for the craftsmanship of finely made firearms. He owned a small, well-respected gun shop in Tucson, known not only for its integrity and expertise but also for the welcoming, down-to-earth community it fostered. For David, firearms were not about violence or bravado they were meticulously engineered tools, valued for their precision, history, and design. His interest was rooted in respect: for the mechanics, the tradition, and the responsibility that came with them.

He was a true "dog dad," having shared his life with many beloved four-legged companions. In the earlier years, he and his wife, Nora, filled their home with the elegant presence of Afghan hounds, whose grace and spirit brought them great joy. His support of the Southern Arizona Afghan Hound Association reflected his deep affection for the breed, and his commitment to rescue efforts never wavered. Their love for animals later led them to adopt retired racing greyhounds, giving these gentle souls a second chance at a peaceful life. After Nora's passing, David continued that legacy of compassion by adopting Bouncer, an incredibly gentle and loyal pit bull who became his steadfast companion in later life. When Bouncer passed in 2024, it was a profound loss that deeply saddened David and all who had come to love them both.

David was a passionate Formula 1 racing fan - Ferrari ran through his veins, and race weekends were a sacred ritual. He loved the thrill of the track, the history of the sport, and the elegance of a well-tuned machine. But he also found joy in life's quieter pleasures: backyard barbecues, folk and western music, a good football game, and the timeless comfort of a classic John Wayne or Clint Eastwood movie. A devoted lover of the Sonoran Desert, David was a proud member of both the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul Gardens. He often said the surrounding mountains made him feel protected"like he was surrounded by old friends."

He had a soft spot for local businesses, and was often found enjoying a bowl of gazpacho at The Eclectic Café or a strong cup of coffee from Raging Sage. He was deeply saddened by the loss of so many classic Tucson eateries and would lament burgers from The Big A, tortillas and tamales from El Rapido, or a classic Italian feast at the original Scordato's. David believed in supporting the community around him and preserving the rich, layered culture of Tucson that is an utterly distinct, vibrant blend of desert grit, deep-rooted tradition, artistic rebellion, and multicultural legacy.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Nora Dodson, and his lifelong and cherished friend, Gary Tiscornia. We take comfort in the thought of their joyful reunion. A homecoming marked not only by love and laughter, but also by the eager welcome of the many dogs who shared their lives. He did not enter heaven alone, but into the embrace of his beloved, the companionship of his dearest friend, and the joyful presence of every faithful companion who had ever waited at the door.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, his loving sister and her family, and a remarkable cadre of lifelong and recent friends, all of whom cherished his quiet humor, generous spirit, and unwavering loyalty.

One of his oldest and dearest friends shared:

"We talked. We camped. We played chess. We drank coffee at the Student Union and from canteens in Sabino Canyon. We traveled to Mt. Lemmon, the Pinaleño Mountains, and the Sonoita grassland. We ate submarine sandwiches. We listened to folk music. We scratched dogs. But mostly, we talked. David had a rare gift for conversation he considered every point of view, and he knew the world was wide. I always appreciated his deep knowledge of history and other cultures."

David, thank you for the steady presence, the warmth, and the wisdom. You were deeply loved and will be dearly missed.