Donald Dawson
November 25, 2019
Donald Dawson, M.D., passed away peacefully in his home in Rockport on
Monday, November 25, at the age of 93. Dr. Donald Dawson was born August 13,
1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Jesse Dawson and Mina (Krger) Dawson. He is
survived by his son Paul and his daughter Andrea. He is predeceased by his
wife Patricia (Powell) Dawson and his son David.
Dr. Dawson's career in
surgery and medical research started with his residency at the University of
Chicago, where he was already actively involved in research. After his
training, he and his wife Patricia (Pat) moved to Pontiac, Michigan, where
his efforts led to major improvements in the heath care of patients and the
training of physicians in the region. He opened a medical research lab that
supported both the development of new methods of treatments and mentoring of
junior investigators to carry the torch for future generations. In the
Detroit region, he was integral in the establishment of a consortium of
multiple centers with the goal of improving the quality of medical
education. He became Director of Medicine and Surgery at the Pontiac State
Hospital and Medical Director of the Advanced Medical and Research Lab,
which is now a major laboratory for Quest Diagnostics.
In 1980, Dr. Dawson
moved with his family to Concord, Massachusetts to coordinate medical
efforts in conjunction with Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. From
Massachusetts, he helped form the William Beaumont School of Medicine in
Oakland, Michigan, which established the Donald Dawson Medal for medical
research in his honor.
Never seeking the limelight, he was a constant
promoter of promising young physicians. For many years Dr. Dawson was the
lead medical advisor for the Teamsters Union, helping to improve the quality
of care for millions of teamsters and their families. His reputation and
reach extended to working with Dr. Michael DeBakey and the cardiac surgery
team at the Texas Medical Center and with the Nobel Committee in Stockholm.
Dr. Dawson had a talent for pulling together luminaries from across the
medical profession to establish very high-level collaborations. For as long
as his health permitted, he was a valued consultant and advisor to medical
organizations and physicians around the world.
Residents of Rockport since
1990, Donald and Pat found a welcoming community on Cape Ann. Donald's
enthusiasm for history and reading led to a collaboration with Peter
Bergholtz on research for Fish, Timber, Granite, and Gold, a book on the
stone wall in Cape Ann by Eleanor Parsons. Pat and Donald both loved music
and were long time supporters of the Rockport Chamber Music series, and
their appreciation for the unique and picturesque Thacher Island lighthouses
led them to participate actively in the Thacher Island Association. They
were blessed with many warm friendships in all stages of their lives, and
the camaraderie they found near their home by the sea was no exception.
There are no formal services at this time. In lieu of sending flowers,
please consider donating to the Thacher Island Association PO Box 73
Rockport MA 01966, or on the web at
thacherisland.org. Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212
Washington St. Gloucester. Online condolences may be given at:
www.greelyfuneralhome.com
