Lilburn Dawson, (1939 - 2014) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Because of your smile, you made life more beautiful (Thich Nhat Hahn).........
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened (Dr. Seuss).

75 years old
Born on April 19, 1939 in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Passed away on July 28, 2014 in Springfield, Virginia, United States

Because Lilburn's family and friends are dispersed around the United States and the world, this online memorial has been established to celebrate his life.This is also his family's opportunity to recognize and thank people who played special roles in his life.

Please browse through the chapters of his life and the photos. We welcome your tributes, stories, photos, and comments on the contents. These will serve as keepsakes for Lilburn's family and friends on this permanent site. We hope that you return to see what others have posted and to add stories about Lilburn when you remember something about him.

We are really pleased that so many people have visited Lilburn's memorial site, and appreciate the tributes and stories posted. We'd love for other visitors who knew Lilburn and/or his family to add their remembrances.

If you know someone you think would like to see and contribute to this site, please forward the information to them.

Tributes

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July 31, 2014

I feel much sadness for your loss, but also much awe that you had such a lovely husband and father in your life. I have not had either, myself, and it always inspires me to be reminded of the strength, kindness and beauty that a good man can be. May you take comfort in the memories of all you've had, I am so sorry for the great loss you must feel.

July 31, 2014

Rosemary, it has been said that the true measure of a man are the memories he leaves behind. As I read through the tributes of those who knew your husband, I know that he was a wonderful man. I am sorry for your loss.

July 31, 2014

I will always cherish the memories of so many adventures together – sailing the French canals (romping in the leaves near Verdun, shoving the boat off sand banks, Paris, breaking ice), holidays in Heidelberg, “pony express” stops in Norman, Alyce’s wedding, dinners-both in and out, birthday and anniversary celebrations, Thanksgivings, Christmas, Easter, good times in Mallorca, Good bye, “Wilbur” – you will be missed. Love, Rick

July 31, 2014

He was one of the nicest people i ever met. We bowled with and against each other and had many good thoughts about life and music.
we sat together at HV Heidelberg in the evening of 9-11 and he already showed the future in a few words...........i´ll miss him but i believe that he is doing good wherever he is. R.I.P old friend - Henry

July 31, 2014

Now he'll get that foursome together. Deal!

July 31, 2014

Lilburn was my longtime friend, and Like a brother. He was there for me always when I needed him the most . We lived together, and played together, and prayed together all of the time.

July 31, 2014

Pat Dawson, Lilburn Dawson junior, David Dawson, and my family of Terrys, Aikens, Seawrights, Hacketts,& Coles, were if not family, we were more than friends, we were like family.

July 31, 2014

Rosemary, Alyce, Mark, Sydney, and Dawson,
My thoughts are with you in this your hour of need. Lilburn was one of the most compassionate men I knew. Before Rosemary and Lilbun moved to Texas, Rosemary and I worked hand and glove at OU on exhausting and complex projects. During one such grant proposal, I spent three nights at their home because fatigue kept me from driving to Oklahoma City from Norman. The morning of my last night I woke up in the morning to find Lilburn outside quietly cleaning my very dirty car. I was in shock, but very appreciative. Over the years as I had the opportunity to spend more time with Rosemary and Lilburn it was clear to me that he loved and adored her with all of his heart and as her friend and colleague this kindness was extended to me. He will always be remembered by me as the man with a heart of gold who loved his family more than life itself. I will truly miss him.

July 31, 2014

We were know as the 2 top road dogs. I think of you three all the time. One of the best pinochle players ever. Take care of yourselves my mom and sisters say hell.

July 31, 2014

Rosemary, Alyce, and family, We are sad about Lilburn's passing, yet happy for many fond memories of events that we shared even after your move from L A. Lilburn's smiles, laughter, and charisma connected people everywhere. His beautiful spirit and yours continue to inspire. May knowing that warm thoughts for you abound help to comfort you.

July 30, 2014

I will never forget when I first moved to Evanston from Chicago and I lived with my God-brother Henry Roberts and his mother Lucile Roberts.. The first place that Henry brought me to was the Dawson home. That was the first time I met Bub and the other Dawson's. That was the beginning of the close knit family of Evanston. Thanks Bub and the rest of the Evaston Family for contributing to the person I am today..

July 30, 2014

My Uncle Bub, I will never forget you. The trip that Billy Jr. And I took out to LA is a trip I still will never forget. We were not even teenagers.

Rosemary and Alyce you are in my prayers!

I love you all, Dawson family!!!

July 30, 2014

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY I DIDN'T KNOW YOU BUT I KNEW YOUR SISTERS BUT WHAT I AM READING ABOUT YOU. YOU WERE A GOOD FATHER PROVIDER AND A LOVING HUSBAND I SEEN YOUR MEDALS AND I AM PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISH I PRAY THAT GOD GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO REST IN PEACE YOU ARE GONE NOW BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND WILL BE TRULY MISSED REST IN PEACE MR LIBURN DAWSON

July 30, 2014

Jonnie and I express our condolences to the family of Lilburn Dawson on his passing. Our prayers are with you.

July 30, 2014

Dear Rosemary and Family, I will always remember Lilburn and his sense of humor throughout his tribulations with Lewy Body Dementia. Both of you are truly outstanding human beings. It was my privilege to get to know you and help with Lilburn's healthcare!

July 30, 2014

I am so glad that someone sent me an e-mail re. Lilburn Dawson. Although I did not know him, I went to the link to see who he was and when I saw Marilyn and Pat's name, that Lilburn was your brother, I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to each of you and to his wife, daughter and other family members. What a beautiful tribute. The pictures are so beautiful and memorable. They truly showed the kind of man that he was, one to be honored even in his death. Family, continue to stay strong and encouraged. May the peace of God be with you to give you comfort in the days ahead. His memory shall continue to stay in your heart and those memories are so precious. Gone, but never forgotten. You shall see him again. God Bless.

July 30, 2014

I am a younger Evanstonian than most of the Dawson's, but my cousin Sam Burton used to run with David Dawson, Lilburn's younger brother. I think I might have seen him once or twice at the "Free&Easy" club back in the day!

July 30, 2014

Dear Rosemary, Alyce, Mark, Dawson and Sydney,
Please accept Louise and my sincere condolences on your loss. Our regret is that we did not have the pleasure of his company over the years. By all accounts by those who knew him "Bud" was an accomplished professional,a loyal and revered son, brother and true friend to many. During his all to brief years he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather....a true inspiration.
Louise and I are confident his memory will live on in your heart forever.
With love always,

Bob and Louise Gerber

July 30, 2014

I met Lilburn in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1978 when Rosemary and I began teaching for USC in Europe. Over the last 36 years we have shared many experiences and the memories are an important part of my life. I will miss my dear friend, Lilburn, a unique individual.

July 30, 2014

I truly believe that we never really die but remain in all the many ways we touched people. No one "goes away." So my tears are for the beauty of his uniqueness. I barely knew him really. In 1967 he and Ro visited me briefly in San Francisco. Evidently I fed them hash brownies (no memory of this -- ha!). Then I saw him again in 2010 after the miraculous re-discovery of Ro's whereabouts. He remembered me -- the brownies! The man had charisma. I love these photos where this charisma is so evident -- he seems so totally present and engaged in them all. I love him and his dear wife and daughter and wonderful grandkids. My heart is so full of the sweet beauty of the whole family.

July 29, 2014

Bub was my oldest brother was always there for me. God rest his soul. I love him with all my heart and will miss him dearly.

July 29, 2014

Rosemary, what a beautiful couple, what a wonderful life together, the world is a sadder place today. My heart goes out to you and the family. You are in our hearts and prayers. Blessings to you all.

July 29, 2014

My Dear Brother Oh how I miss you so much already You will be in my heart always. Love you

July 29, 2014

Rosemary, you have made a beautiful tribute to Lilburn. Surely, it is one of those odd coincidences that you, Lilburn, and Alyce have been on my mind so often over the last few days, as I wondered how things were going with Lilburn. How wonderful that he spent his last months with his close family loving and caring for him. Rosemary, all my thoughts are with you. You have been a rock for Lilburn and, in fact, for all of us who have loved you both. I am so glad that I had a chance to be with you and Lilburn here in San Diego.

July 29, 2014

I'll never forget the first time I met Lilburn in Heidelberg in the late 1980s. I was struck by how much he looked, walked, and spoke like his brother David (my hubby). The moment I saw him I knew he was a Dawson--tall, strong, confident, and charming. I will miss him dearly and I am so grateful that he had a loving wife and daughter by his side until his last breathe. God bless you, Rosemary and Alyce.

July 29, 2014

"Rosemary, Alyce, and Family, Uncle Bub is now at peace. Thank you so much for being a wonderful wife and daughter to him. God has called another angel home. I know that Nana, Papa, Uncle Billy and Uncle George are rejoicing. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. "

July 29, 2014

Rosemary, My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I remember the first time I met Lilburn was when you came to Italy and he flew down to meet you. You stayed at our house. I also remember coming to Heidelberg to work there for a couple of days and staying with you and Lilburn. He was a great host and made me very welcome in your home. He was a wonderful caring man and will certainly be missed by family and friends!

July 29, 2014

Rosemary, my heart goes out to you and Alyce today. I will keep you and the family close in thought as you move through your sorrow and wonderful memories. I did not have the honor to know Lilburn very well but I will always remember how your face lite up with complete love and pride everytime you spoke of him. Seeing you two together was a blessing for us all. Ich liebe Dich!

July 29, 2014

Dr. Dawson. You and your family are in my thoughts today. I am so sorry for the loss of a great man. I tell friends the story of you, Lilburn and myself having dinner with the APSI group at Texas Lutheran and discussing vacations we all wanted to go on. You mentioned how taking a road trip up the California coast was something you and Lilburn needed to do again. Lilburn looked at me and said 'if we can't smoke dope there's no reason to go!' The look on your face was priceless! Lilburn was a wonderful man who def made me laugh when I was around him. I love you very much!

July 29, 2014

Rosemary, Alyce and family, from my heart to you, beautiful memories will always stay with me of all the great times shared by all. May all those beautiful memories remain forever in your heart and mind. My love and prayers go out to you for strength through these next days and weeks. God Bless Love you Carrie and family

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Recent Tributes

April 19

Thinking of you today Bub. You would have been 85 today. I wish you were still with us. You would truly be proud and enjoy your grands, Sydney and Dawson. You would have so many stories to tell them. Continue to rest, my brother. I love you.

April 19

Dear Rosemary,

I'm thinking of you and your family on this special day to remember Lilburn... I'll cherish the memory of visiting you and Lilburn in Oklahoma many years ago when I made my solo cross-country drive from TN to CA. Thank you both for your love and support when I needed it.

Love always,
Natsue

April 20, 2023

Dear Rosemary,
Thinking of you and Lilburn.
Fondly,
Betty

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Gallery

July 28, 2016
Eating French food and remembering so many great meals in France with Lilburn.

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Birthday Dinner Celebration on 4/19/2017

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Just a few of many wonderful birthday celebrations with family and friends over the years.

Kathy Spruill Dudley's forget-me-not garden (August 9, 2015)

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Times we talked in Heidelberg

July 30, 2018

I will never forget the wonderful times we sat, shared food, drinks (good Deutsche Bier, Wein, u.s.w) and talked about world problems in general plus work and racial issues in particular. I think of you often; I miss you and always will, Lilburn!

Sailing memories with Lilburn and Rosemary

April 19, 2016

We had many adventures with Rosemary and Lilburn on our sailboat as we went through the French canals and sailed the Med. One particular time in the French canals we ran aground on a sandbank and Lilburn, Tony and I jumped in the river to help get us off. This happened several times as we made our way from the north of France until we reached the Med. Lilburn was always the first one to help! Miss him lots and remembering him on his birthday.

Seasons of Love sung by Sydney and Dawson at Arlington National Cemetery

July 30, 2015

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Seasons of Love sung by Sydney and Dawson (and Alyce) at Arlington National Cemetery on the first anniversary of their Grandpa's passing. It wouldn't be a song at ANC without a flyover accompaniment.

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty five thousand moments, oh dear
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, a year in the life?

How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love

Seasons of love (love)
Seasons of love (love)

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty five thousand journeys to plan
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life of a woman or a man?

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