Robert Dawson

Surrounded by his family, Robert C. “Bob” Dawson, 83, passed away Monday, November 26, 2007, at his home in Fargo, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Born to Charles A. and Helen (Turner) Dawson February 11, 1924, in Fargo, North Dakota, Bob graduated from Fargo Central High in 1942, before starting his college education at NDSU. Bob interrupted college by enlisting in the Army, serving in the Pacific. Following WWII, Bob returned to NDSU, graduating in 1949. While at NDSU, he met and married Edith Arneson, his wife of nearly 60 years. Bob and Edith made their home in Fargo, where they raised their family. After college, Bob joined his dad, Chas, and brother, Jim, in the family businesses, Dawson Insurance Agency and Dawson Hail Insurance Co. Bob was President of Dawson Insurance Agency and served as Chairman of the Board until his death. For 30 years, Bob and Jim, also served on the board of Hunter State Bank. Bob loved his Alma Mater and currently served on the Board of Trustees of the NDSU Development Foundation and was a past President. He was the recipient of the Honored Alumnus, Alumni Achievement Award, NDSU Development Foundation Service Award and Honorary Doctorate Degree. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was State National Director of North Dakota for the Independent Insurance Agents Association and President of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Dakota. Bob will be remembered for his love of his community and his generosity and support of many organizations including past President of the F-M Family YMCA, former member of the Board of Trustees for Jamestown College, former Director of the Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Charter Board of Directors member for Red River Zoo, member of the Board of Trustees of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation, member of the Board of Directors for Norwest bank, former Chairman of the Board at St. Luke’s Hospital, Elder at First Presbyterian Church, American Legion, VFW, YWCA, and past President of Fargo Kiwanis. Bob was a 32r Mason and was a current member of the Shiloh Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies, El Zagal Shrine Temple, Ritualist Divan, and Royal Order of the Jesters. Bob enjoyed many activities with his family including fishing trips to Canada with first, his father, later, his sons and eventually, his grandsons. He enjoyed spending summers at his Pelican Lake home surrounded by his family, and winters in Ft. Myers, Florida. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Chuck; and his grandson, Jacob. He is survived by his wife, Edith; his daughter, Kathy Fox, Langley, WA; sons, Tom (Georgia) and Steve (Vicki), all of Fargo, ND; Gary, Wahpeton, ND; ten grandsons, Nathan and Stuart Hambley; Zack (Kelly), Mike and Alex Dawson; Charlie (Maggie), Matt, Joey, Ben and Nick Dawson; brother, Jim; and nieces and nephews. Visitation: Thursday, November 29, 2007, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Masonic Service: Thursday, November 29, 2007, at 7pm, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Funeral Service: Friday, November 30, 2007, at 11:00 AM, at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, ND. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND. Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church, Red River Zoo, NDSU Development Foundation, F-M YMCA and Hospice.