Gary Dawson

To join Gary's family for his Life Celebration please click on the Livestream link below his obituary. 

Gary Martin Dawson, known to his loved ones as Digger Dawson, passed away on February 2, 2024, in Fargo, ND, at the age of 86.

He was born on December 20, 1937, in Moorhead, MN, and graduated from Dilworth High School in 1956, excelling in playing football. 

Gary was a dedicated and hardworking individual. He had a successful career in road construction, working for Yonker, Inc. and later serving the City of Dilworth in the Maintenance Department from 1970 until his retirement. During retirement, an unexpected career as a male model emerged, with Gary sharing his ever-infectious smile in MeritCare Hospital ads. He took great pride in his work and made valuable contributions to the community. 

Outside of his professional life, Gary had a passion for hunting and fishing. These hobbies brought him joy and allowed him to connect with nature. 

One of Gary’s greatest joys was his relationship with Jesus and his connection to the church, serving at First Assembly of God, Fargo in a variety of capacities over 40+ years. From filling communion cups, singing in the choir, ushering, to teaching Sunday School for 4-year olds, Gary found ways to live out his faith inside and outside the church. In later years, Gary was an active participant in the Monday Night Prayer meeting, which has met faithfully for decades, even following Gary to The Meadows nursing home, where he invited residents and staff to join. Gary’s life of faith and dedication to Jesus Christ is his lasting legacy. He has impacted hundreds of people with his positive outlook on life and the faith that has sustained him throughout his life. 

Gary will be deeply missed by his surviving family members, including his beloved wife, Sharon Dawson, sons, Bryan Dawson, Daryl (Christy) Dawson and Kevin (Danyia) Dawson; grandsons, Riley Dawson and Connor Dawson, as well his siblings, Gladys Dawson Black, Curtis (Carol) Dawson, and Shirley Dawson Mohr. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Dawson; mother, Gladys Dawson; brothers, Floyd Dawson, Alfred Dawson, Owen Dawson and Donald Dawson; sisters, Theodore Dawson and Muriel Olson. 

Please join us in remembering and honoring the life of Gary Dawson. May he rest in peace.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will begin at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, followed by his Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM, in Northview Church, Fargo, ND. 

The burial will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.  

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)