William DAWSON

William DawsonWilliam Millard Dawson, of Lake Havasu, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, died in his home, Wednesday evening, May 19, 2004. No service is planned but the family will host a simple open potluck celebration also at home, 2931 Southwind, for two hours, starting at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 23rd. A brief military honor guard funeral presentation occurs at 2:30. He enjoyed the anticipatory mystery of potlucks more than formal services.Born of homesteading and working class parents in Albany, Oregon, March 13, 1923, Bill was raised as a single child in the Oregon Willamette Valley during the Depression. He graduated, shortly before WW II, from Eugene High School where he played in the band, and was known as "Bull" for his manner of playing center on the football team. He carried this mannerism into later stages of life.He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, February 1942, and served until 1946. He re-enlisted in 1951 through 1954, including Korea. His WW II Pacific campaigns included strikes into the Solomon and Marshall Islands, New Georgia, Piva Yoke, Bouganville and the Bismark Archipelago. He saw his war primarily from a Marine Dive Bomber as a gunner and radioman. Thus, with complete faith in his pilot, he literally dove downwards into battle backwards. Admiral C. Nimitz, chief of the Pacific fleet, personally decorated him.He was privileged to meet and marry four intelligent women: Peggy Daniels, Lee Hall, Golden Riley, and his current wife June Scott Dawson who selflessly assisted him in his later years of orthopedic limitation. He enjoyed five children: Kelly, Marty and Linda Dawson, and Kate Mounts all of Portland, OR and son Rand Dawson of Alaska. He had four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. After WW II, Bill graduated from the University of Oregon, Eugene, in business. He worked throwing railroad ties and as a cannery hand. For thirty years he was an insurance claims adjuster, and concluded as a director of litigation. He was a difficult negotiator.Bill started Alcoholics Anonymous, which he credited for saving his life, in 1966, after his second wife threw him out of the house. Through the unconditional support of other A.A. members he remained sober thereafter. A.A. folks, especially new members, were often at his family's table, giving them a rare opportunity for appreciation of the beauty of the human condition in difficult or trying times.He supported Second Amendment rights. His favorite book was Joseph Heller's "Catch 22." He prized A.A. friendships and those within the square dance community. His physical conditions tested the skills of the medical community. His directness and personality often tested this family and friends. He was honest, a characteristic probably obtained from his father who was a car salesman whom inspired people to drive from Montana to Eugene in order to buy a car. Death came as a consequence of an extended infection for a minor sore.The family would suggest any remembrance support for A.A. programs, Hospice, and London Bridge Squares square dance club. He lived in pain but died in peace, largely through the support of friends and wife. Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.