Dawson
John T. (Tom) Dawson passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday evening, October 7, from natural causes. He was born in Vail, Iowa, on October 19, 1924, to John and Helen Dawson. He grew up in Vail and became the youngest Eagle Scout, at that time, in Iowa history. He entered Iowa State College, only to have World War II interrupt his studies. He proudly served in the Army Air Corps in Okinawa as a gunner on B-29 bombers. He returned home and graduated from ISU with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
On March 22, 1947, Tom married Lois Gramlich in Chicago, Illinois. They moved to Seattle in September of 1948 and then to Normandy Park in 1952. Lois, aka "Gammy," left her beloved Tom in 2000, but Tom continued to live in their house on Marine View Drive for 55 years. Tom's participation in Normandy Park activities included weekend visits to the pool (member #19) and involvement with Republican politics in the 1960s. He even served as one of the more colorful mayors of Normandy Park for 15 years.
After their move to Seattle, Tom began his 43-year career with The Boeing Company. Tom's Boeing career involved aeronautical and mechanical engineering for a variety of flight and ground vehicles, including the lunar rover, wind tunnel testing, missile systems, mass transit systems, and remotely operated vehicles. His work took him across the U.S. and around the world.
A cradle Episcopalian, his faith and love for his church defined him as a person. He served as both Junior and Senior Warden at St. Columbus in Des Moines, and many times in the same capacities at his beloved church, St. James Episcopal Parish in Kent. He was always involved in many committees and projects at the church and in the Diocese. His tireless energy came from his strong constitution, Midwestern work ethic and strong opinions.
Tom loved Lois, his family and friends, God, the B-29 restoration at the Museum of Flight, aviation in general, orchids and roses, gardening, traveling, playing pinochle (and winning), Ellisport pavilion parties, car touring, standard poodles, his male cats Sophie and Sam, and his special birthday meal of "Secret Weapon" birthday cake and breaded pork chops. Lois's P.E.O. chapter DU was also a very important part of his life. His special friendship with Marilyn Arnold was appreciated beyond words, by both himself and his family.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill, son William, and grandson Stephen. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Jeannie (Tom) Burkhart of Centennial, Colo., Joanne (Steve) Kicinski of Vashon Island, and his five adored grandchildren, John and Katie Burkhart and Katherine, Tom, and Will Kicinski, and his Norwegian AFS "daughter" Hilde Bendz and family. He is survived by his sister, Mary, of Tomah, Wis., his sister-in-law Ruth Fielding Dawson of Los Angeles, Calif., and his two nieces and one nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Episcopal Parish, 24447 94th Ave. S., Kent, WA 98031 or to The Museum of Flight B-29 Restoration Project, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, WA 98108.
