Shushan-Artist, Richard Evans Dawson, JR. of Shushan, New York, passed away quietly at home on September 9th, 2016 at the age of 96.  Born on November 30th, 1919 in Bergenfield, New Jersey, his life was devoted to serving and teaching others in the most creative ways.

Many of you reading this will remember him as your beloved Art teacher, Mr. Dawson, at the Cambridge Central School between 1957 and 1977.  Others will remember him as their beloved Elder at the Coila Church, going around with his black lights doing "Chalk Talks" to inspire young people from near and far.  His art work has been admired around town for many years, and the sweet sound of his violin or piano could often be heard in church.  Among his many accomplishments, such as woodworking, gardening, cooking, driving for 80 years with only one traffic ticket to his name….Wow…is the fact that he truly was a man without guile.

Richard is survived by his dear wife Lorraine, who is now 90 years of age.  For the last two years of their 65 years of marriage, Lorraine has suffered quietly from dementia.  He lovingly cared for her every need almost single-handedly.  Also, he is survived by daughter Dianne [Dee Dee] Dawson and son Richard [Rick] Dawson.  Dianne has three sons; Dawson Cooper, Travis Cooper, and Braden Cooper. Rick has four sons; Brooks Dawson, Greg Dawson, Adrien Dawson, and Seth Dawson.  Imagine seven grandsons!  Dawson and wife Nicole have a daughter and two sons; Gabriella, Max, and Dominique.  Travis and wife Michelle have a daughter and a son; Ryan and Beau.  Five great grandchildren!

A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MR. DAWSON will be held at the Coila Church, 93 State Route 372, Cambridge, NY on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM for all whose lives have been touched by him.

Over the years, Mr. Dawson wrote his memoirs which are a delightful read, complete with pictures, and can be found at these websites:

www.ccsindians.com, www.coilachurch.org and www.richardedawson.com

Please come and share your stories with us too!!

Click on the Service Program link below to view the memoirs