Norman Dawson
January 24, 1937 – October 21, 2023
On the evening of October 21, 2023, Norman Dawson, 86, of Valparaiso, Indiana, serenely and peacefully passed away at his home, surrounded by love.
He is survived by wife, Margaret; three children, Sydney, Danny and Kelly; daughter-in-law, Cathy; son-in-law, Rich; grandchildren, Conner and Drew, along with many other beloved, extended family members. Norm’s passing was preceded by his parents, Herbert and Mildred; brother, Bill and sister, Carolyn.
Norm was born in Gary, Indiana and graduated from Lew Wallace High School. He had a long, fulfilling career as a sheet metal worker and glazier. In his spare time – and well into his retirement years – Norm enjoyed riding anything with horsepower… motorcycles, classic cars, antique scooters – and he especially loved horseback riding the trails at the Indiana Dunes.
Cremation will be followed by a Celebration of Norm’s Life, to be privately held for his family and friends in spring/summer 2024.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in any way you find most meaningful. The family encourages those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in Norm’s name to VNA Hospice of Valparaiso, Indiana.
GUESTBOOK
My condolences to all his family and friends. I have many cherished memories of Uncle Norm, for which I am grateful. His love and care was always present. He called me "little one" even when I was the biggest one after growing up! It has and will always make me smile and the endearment expressed when he said it will always warm my heart. He was of a kind and will remain so fun & cool to me, forever. -Amy Briseno
Uncle Norm always treated me like I was one of his own kids. I spent a lot of my childhood and teen years at their house with my cousins, especially Kelly. He did "Dad" things for me like teaching me how to ride horses and giving me driving lessons (in Syd's CRX!), even though I was just his niece and not his daughter. I always knew he was one of my biggest fans; showing support and a touch of admiration when I up and moved to different states. He caught all my humor, would grin and his eyes would sparkle with his held in laughter! He will be missed. -Danielle Stepanek
A good man went home. -Ken White
My deepest sympathies to all of Uncle Norman’s family and friends. I have so many good memories of Uncle Norm. As a kid, I remember him putting me on a horse for the first time. As a teen, he would ask me to massage his neck because he said I had strong hands and fingers from playing piano. As an adult, I was happy when Uncle Norm would ride his motorcycle to our restaurant, just so he could order a BLT sandwich. He was always the cool uncle who was genuinely interested in my life. I will love and miss him always. Now Jose can make a BLT for Uncle Norm any time he wants one. -Joy Reyes
It was with much sadness that I learned of his passing to a better place. Norm and I were close friends starting in junior high school at Lew Wallace in Glen Park, Gary, Indiana. We were often class mates and daily close friends. When taking a class in mathematics he was needing some help, I asked if I could help and he accepted. Over the years he always said how much he appreciated the help in passing the course. Even though I was never a talented skater like Norm, we were pals in other activities such as hunting with his family beagle. I spent many visits to the Dawson house over these early years and loved every minute due the warm welcome of his family. Even though we went separate directions as adults, in recent years I would always phone Norm on his birthday and chat about what he was doing and do some remembering of great times together. Not being able to reach him on the 24th, I did some research and learned of his death. Also being 86, I will always remember Norm as the greatest friend, a person available when needed, and never asked for anything in return. My sympathy goes to Margie and other members of the family, especially every January 24th. I will dearly our talks and his voice each birthday about bikes, horses and other old friends. -John R Baggs
