Norman Allen (Bucky) Dawson of Oquaga Lake, NY and West Palm Beach, FL passed away unexpectedly at his summer cottage on Oquaga Lake with his wife by his side. Norman was born on June 11, 1931 in Lockport, NY. He was the son of David and Edith (Hobbs) Dawson.
Norman graduated from Johnson City High School in 1950 and a short time later entered the United States Air Force. He served in Germany and other air bases in Europe from 1950 to 1954.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he went to Michigan State University graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management. Later he went on to receive two additional degrees. The first was a Masters from SUNY at Oneonta in Education and the next Masters was from Florida International University in Hospitality.
Following graduation from Michigan State he worked as the Assistant Manager of the Gaslight Club in Chicago. Norman returned home to work at Hanson's Hotel on Oquaga Lake where he met the love of his life Sandra Goodrich, daughter of Hubert and Louise (Bailey) Goodrich. They were married in 1963. Norman worked in the Goodrich family milk business for several years. Then they had their daughter Mimi Dawson. After moving to Delhi, NY to accept the position of Professor in the Hospitality Management division at SUNY at Delhi, their second child, Ladd Goodrich Dawson was born.
Norman was active in his community, serving in the Delhi Fire Department Engine Company, being elected as Captain several times by the other members of the company. Norman was an active member of the United Ministry Church of Delhi and later the First United Methodist Church of Deposit. In 1974, the horse bug bit the Dawson family and Norman was happy being the groom for many years until he was introduced to hackney ponies by the family's trainer Coby Clark Holowacz's grandfather, Gordon Ward. Norman would have several ponies over the years his final pony Incognito (Chad) was said to only dance for him. Norman retired in 1996 from SUNY at Delhi after a 30 plus year career. He continued to teach Serve Safe Courses for his college for many years throughout New York State. In his retirement the joy of his life was living for and with his family.
Norman is survived by his wife of 51 years; his daughter, Mimi of Sunny Isles Beach, FL; his son, Ladd and wife Jestina (McPherson) of Oquaga Lake and their five children, Madison Marie, Kenneth Allen, Alexandra Louise, Kassandra Katherine Rose, and Emma Lee Ann. He is also survived by his two sisters, Shirley Dechene and Dorothy Babcock; and several nieces and nephews. Norman was also blessed with an extensive circle of friends considered to be family.
A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family who are mourning in their own way. The family encourages you to consider donations or acts to your own special charities.
Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on June 3, 2014.