Robert Warrington Dawson Jr.

Robert (Bob) Warrington Dawson Jr.

Bob Dawson passed away comfortably and at peace on March 25, 2023 at the age of 88 after a valiant, years-long battle with vascular dementia.

Born and raised in San Francisco, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dawson Sr and Catherine Patridge Dawson, and his brother David P. Dawson (Pat).

Married to the love of his life, Patricia Suhr, for 66 years, and the loving father to Rob Dawson (Terri) and Lisa Dawson Steffen (Greg), and Papa to his cherished grandchildren, Susan Dawson, Brandon Steffen, and Hazel Steffen.

He is also survived by a long list of extended family that includes cousins, nieces, nephews, and more. His fan club is too large to highlight every name, however each and every one was deeply loved by their Uncle Bob.

After attending St. Ignatius High School, he earned a tennis scholarship to the University of San Francisco, graduated with a business degree, then served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at the Nike Missile Site protecting the Golden Gate.

Bob spent his career in the insurance industry working for Fireman’s Fund, American Express, and finally traveling the globe for General Electric as their Director of Consumer Affairs.

Faith was at the center of his life. As his dementia progressed, he urged us to drive him out to St. Sylvester’s Church on any given day to be reassured that he wasn’t missing mass.

As an avid tennis player and golfer, Bob was a founding member of the Marin Tennis Club in San Rafael, a 50+ year member of the Olympic Club, and a lifelong member of The California Tennis Club.

Some of his favorite things included family gatherings, lifelong friendships, his wife’s gourmet cooking, the SF 49ers, traveling to new places, listening to soundtracks from musicals, fly fishing, the USC Trojans, chocolate dessert of any kind, and Tanqueray on the rocks with a lemon twist.

Attending ballet performances, basketball games, or theater productions that involved his grandchildren brought him immense joy. He always arrived extra early to ensure he got rock star parking and a premium seat.

Bob lived life. And he loved life. Here’s to a compassionate gentleman whose spirit and zest for life will be forever missed. Fight On, Papa. Until we meet again…

Donations in his memory can be made to:

By the Bay Hospice in Larkspur.

St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco | Class of 1952.

Our immense gratitude to his friend and caregiver Scott Morrow, Father Ngoan Phan, the staff at Elegance Hamilton Hill in Novato, By the Bay Hospice, Pine Park Health, and Remo Health.

Plans for a future memorial are pending.

Assisted by Monte's Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo, CA.

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