William "Bill" Dawson
May 27, 1948 ~ August 22, 2015
William Dawson, age 67, passed away in Tucson on August 22, 2015. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Sr. and Jeanette Dawson, and his brother, Mike Dawson. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Katie; his daughters, Rebecca (Jason) and Diana Dawson; his grandchildren, Tristan and Elena Dawson-Foundas; sisters, Jean (Frank) Chamblee, Maggie (Hector) Barraza, Mary Dawson, Sharon (Greg) Anderson, and Patty (Giles) Cothron; stepmother, Cathy Dawson, Aunt Ruby Dawson and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bill was born and raised in Tucson, attending Tucson High where he excelled in sports. He chose Michigan State for his college and was a starting defensive lineman each year of his eligibility. Upon graduation he and his new bride returned to Tucson where he taught and coached at Tucson High, Mansfeld Middle School, and Pueblo High School until his retirement.
A Service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Oro Valley United Church of Christ, 1401 E. El Conquistador Way, Oro Valley. There will be a memorial luncheon following the services that will be held in the Cholla 100 Room at Casas Church, 10801 N. La Cholla Boulevard., Oro Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Michigan State University Football Players Association, Skandalaris Football Center, 771 Chestnut Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824 or to Oro Valley United Church of Christ. Arrangements by Angel Valley Funeral Home.
https://www.newspapers.com/image/213605597/?terms=william%2Bdawson
Gari "Punky" Stone (Voss)
Bill will be missed by so many for a variety of reasons, but I will miss the opportunities that I had to meet with him and Kate for tailgating and watching Michigan State football games in East Lansing. Go Green! Not to forget the Red and White of THS.
Fred Svoboda
Bill and I used to play the line against each other in gym class flag football games. This was a hilarious mismatch given that he went on to be a varsity football player at Michigan State. If a running play was going around our side of the line I sometimes could delay him enough to give our runner a chance, but I remember once doing a back somersault as he went through the line. He will be missed.
Ronald Curry
Bill and I got to know each other at Mansfeld in PE class in 7th grade. He was one of my first new friends at Mansfeld. He was big, but still a little awkward. By 8th grade his speed and coordination were catching up to his size. I enjoyed trying to beat him in football practice, but it was never quite possible. From 9th grade on, his athletic prowess was obvious for everyone to see, but don't think he didn't have to work (and work hard) in order to kep improving. After wrestling practice, Bill and I spent many sessions talking about school, athletics, girls, college, and life. In sports, playing with Bill felt like "God is on our side." In life, Bill could be a goofball, but when things were serious, Bill was serious, and he was always a true friend to those who needed him. Bill loved his wife, his kids, and all of us. I'm thankful for our years of friendship.
Lin Hurley
Greg Hansen of the Az Daily Star tells the story of our friend who was so kind to so many. Youre missed Big Bill.http://tucson.com/sports/columnists/hansen/hansen-bill-dawson-dead-at-was-badger-forever/article_7dddfaf8-4809-5a17-be83-f909b7149d8b.html