Don Dawson

Our Dad, Don Dawson, was welcomed to his final rest on August 15.  He was born in New Jersey and moved to Santa Fe when he was eight (8) years old.  When he arrived in Santa Fe, he attended St. Francis elementary.  After that, he started at St. Mike’s—the first year it was co-ed. Always the athlete on the field and on the court, he excelled at both.  He took great pride representing St. Mike’s across the state. 

After high school, he was deployed to Vietnam where he served our county well. Soon thereafter he married Terri Martinez (Daughter of Joe and Flora Martinez).  When he completed his duties, he returned home to Santa Fe, and took over the family business at the Green Onion, alongside his brother Greg “GW,” and sister Sandy (children Rebecca and Ronan).  The Green Onion was established by his parents, Bill and Dusty Dawson. The Onion remained a steadfast institution in the city known for comradery, green beer served on St. Patrick’s Day of Celebration, and the family that hosted it.

Our Dad had four children with our Mom Terri which they raised in Santa Fe, Brian, (children Alexander, Dillon, Gianna, with Jan Monroe), son Garrett, son Kelly, and daughter Jessica (children Cody, and Ronnie, with Ron Ruybal).   

His love for family and friends was undying.  Don was always known to be kind of heart and genuine in spirit with a personality so large it filled the room, yet, his most lasting impression will be that he was the best Grandfather witnessed.

However, his passion, without question, was always a group of folks from South Bend Indiana known as the Fighting Irish. GO IRISH!!

We love you Dad.  

On behalf of our Dad, we would like to invite you to the services conducted by Berardinelli on the 28th of August, public viewing starting at 11 am, service to start at 12 pm (noon). Immediately thereafter, we will take our Dad to the National Cemetery to be laid to rest. A celebration reception will follow at Elks Club at 2:00pm.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don Dawson, please visit our floral store.