"I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know know that he passed away. He was so personable , funny, kind, and a great MSP. I know my son Bubba greeted him in heaven I hope all of you are doing ok. God Bless you"
In loving memory of
LEONARD "LENNY" DAWSON, JR.
April 14, 1954 - August 16, 2018
Leonard J. Lenny Dawson, Jr., 64 of Marquette, died Thursday, August 16, 2018 at his home.
Lenny was born on April 14, 1954 at Royal Oak, Michigan to the late Leonard J. and Ethel (Thorogood) Dawson, Sr. He was a graduate of Berkley High School in Berkley, Michigan. He then attended Oakland Community College for a time.
Lenny was a graduate of the Michigan State Police 94th Recruit School. He served as a State Trooper/Sergeant for 25 years at both the Negaunee and Lansing posts. During his tenure with the State Police, Lenny also was an accident re-constructionist. He was the training coordinator for NMU Public Safety Institute / Regional Police Academy from 2004-2009. Lenny and his family resided in Marquette for 40 years.
Lenny and his wife were former co-owners of Blisterz Gym in Marquette from 1987-1994 where he was an aerobics instructor extraordinaire.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, the former Mary McFarland whom he married on June 24, 1977 in Berkley; two children, Matthew Dawson of Jacksonville, NC and Kati (David) Mead of Marquette; three grandchildren, Brennah and Vivian Dawson and Leo Mead; two brothers, Jeffrey Dawson, Michael (Tammy) Dawson; one sister, Mari Hampton; mother-in-law, Maureen McFarland; also several nieces and nephews. Preceding Lenny in death besides his parents was his daughter-in-law, Lori Dubois; also his father-in-law, Bob McFarland.
The Dawson family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, August 24th beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. in the church with the Rev. Greg Heikkala officiating. A luncheon will be served in the Zyrd Parish Center immediately following the mass. Michigan State Police will stand as honor guard during the visitation.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Northern Michigan University Public Safety Institute/Regional Police Academy, 1402 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Lennys memory.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the Dawson family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"Lenny I pray that the Good Lord is holding you and your family close. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again."
"Dearest Mary, Mathew, Katie, Lenny was a Man larger than Life. But, the Lord took his hand and said it's time to come Home, my Son. You will rest in peace with me now. With all my love, Liisa Trethewey"
"Many prayers for the family "
"Dear Dawson Family, There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. Lenny was such a kind person with the biggest heart. I truly enjoyed working with him at the Police Academy, and loved listening to his stories. He was full of life and always brightened your day with his presence. He truly was one of a kind and will be missed dearly. Bless you all during this difficult time. Rest Peacefully Lenny!"
"Len will always be remembered as and Officer and a Gentleman who protected our community well. Prayers to you Mary and the family. May God watch over all of you."
"I went through the Traffic Crash Reconstruction training with Lenny in 1984. Over the hundreds of hours of training for the next 13 years I would have the enjoyment of having Lenny for a roommate. For all of you that knew his humor, you can imagine what that must have been like. His life seemed to be on a mission to make people laugh. His jokes were endless and his skills for getting his students to enjoy his classes were amazing. Rest In Peace Eino. Joel Mars. 7th District Traffic Crash Reconstructionist"
"To the Family, I never had the pleasure to know you, but I knew Lenny well through our many years of working together and he was one of my closest co-workers. As many of the others who have already posted is that he always was smilin' and happy and we had a lotta laughs but we always got stuff done. I was shocked to hear of his passing, you have my sincerest condolences and we will all miss him. "
"Mary and family . . . Lenny was one of the best! He had such a great sense of humor! I always loved it when he happened to be the aerobics instructor . . . Please accept our condolences, he will be missed!"
"Thoughts and prayers for the family. I will never forget Lenny, his spirit touched a lot of lives, including mine. God bless..."
"Lenny was one of my best friends in high school. We did all the things high school boys do and more! He was one in a million and I miss you buddy! I think of Lenny every time I hear TINY DANCER any Elton John. That was our song. May GOD rest your soul Buddy!"
"Jerry and I met at Blisterz about 25 years ago! Loved the vibe the Dawsons and Cyndi Wichar generated in their gym and aerobic classes! It was always a great accomplishment to complete Lennys 90 minute high intensity class! Will miss seeing his great smile around town! Condolences to you all and may Lenny Rest In Peace"
"Mary, Matthew, and Kati, My heart goes out to all of you and the rest of your family for the loss of such a dear man and friend. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Lenny for his six years at Northern's Public Safety Institute/Regional Police Academy. Some may not know that the 2003 Police Academy named their class after him when he retired from MSP. He was such a kind, funny, generous person and he will be missed. My heart, love, and prayers are with all of you. Darlene Kyto"
"Uncle Lenny was an accomplished goofball. He could always make me laugh, a trait both Matthew and Kati inherited! He had this amazing ability to make everyone feel special and had a huge capacity for love. I will miss him dearly. Aunt Mary, Matthew, Kati, Dave, Brennah, Vivian, & Leo - I am sending you lots of love and hugs from afar. "
"What an untimely and tragic loss for Lenny's Family and our community..As a Marquette EMS Paramedic, I had the privilege of working with Lenny at many an emergency scene. Tough when necessary, compassionate when necessary..And hilariously funny when appropriate..That time in '79 whe Lenny and Donna were delivering eyes for transplant in the middle of the night..They came into the old-old MGH ER doing a softshoe routine, holding a box marked "Human Eyes" singing "I Only Have Eyes For You!!"..He was a respected colleague and a trusted friend..Lenny will be sorely missed....Fred Leopold, Saint Hedwig, Texas."
"Lennies passing is truly a loss for all who knew him. This is the time to mourn his passing, but impossible to forget his personality. Knowing him, means never forgetting him. Mike & I are thinking of your family at this time. "
"My deepest condolences to the Dawson family"
"I have been friends with Lenny since Jr High School. He was always quick with a joke and always a smile! There have been many memories and countless laughs. Like when several of us went out to Aspen skiing. He was driving his MG and I was driving my Capri. Going through the mountains we burned much more gas than before and we were not going to make it to the next gas statin. So what do a couple 20 year olds do, turn the car off and coast 90 miles down hill into Vail, sometime far far exceeding the speed limit. And then he joined the State Police to stop people like us. My heart goes out to all his family and friends, Lenny will be missed!"
"Mary, Matt and Katie , I'm so sorry for your loss.... Lenny was such a great guy and the two of us had so much fun since high school.... 50 year friendship started off on a different foot. Not friends at the time , One day we both got feed up with events in our life and decided to move out and rented an apartment . We ended up having a great time having parties, bobbing for apples in our bathtub (don't know why the girls wouldn't join in) Lenny and I also had Xmas cheer and bought a tree - well the tree and ended up being mammoth and I remember Mary couldn't get in the apartment. It need some trimming !!!! The four for us were together a lot camping and hanging out in Marquette with our families. I remember tagging along with Den Lawson (state boys know about this) on some of his midnight patrols. Running around through the streets of Marquette with me in the backseat keeping the city safe. - great times and memories. I could keep on going with all the memories we made together... So glad I have them. We all have so many it just a shame it has to END LOVE GARY "
"My deepest condolences. Len...My dearest friend and partner."
"Dear Lennys family, I did not know you, but I know of you because Lenny chose you to love out of all the people in the world. He was unfailingly kind and respectful in all my encounters with him. I especially note his compassion and caring extended to one of my children when they were going through a difficult time as a young adult. He will be missed by me and-I am sure - by most of his Saturday morning friends. "
"I am heart broken . I Loved Lenny, and considered him a good friend. First met him at the police academy. Later as friends of Bill W. His smile was always present. My prayers are for the family during this difficult time. Find comfort in the arms of Jesus God Bless Steve"
"Lenny was our lifelong cherished friend and his joy for life gave us so many great and lasting memories that will live on forever in our broken hearts. Rest in peace, dear friend, we miss you already. Mary, Matthew, and Katie, we hope the love of family and friends will soften your sadness and bring you peace. He is in the company of angels now."
"As the only revconstructionist in the 8th district. He investigated the only two fatal crashes that took place on the Mackanaw Bridge, Prays to the family. He was always a good sergeant when I knew him."
"I am sorry for your loss. Lenny will be missed by all. Please accept my sincere condolences."
"Lenny, We will make sure we Honor you for your faithful service to the MSP and State of Michigan my friend. I have many happy memories of traveling around the UP with you in the early 90's administering the physical fitness assessment tests at posts. You touched many lives. Your family will continue to be in our prayers. God speed Lenny. John Halpin"
"My condolences to Len's family as well. So Sad : ( I (like many) met Len thru NMU's Police Academy (82-1) . He impacted my life immediately . He stressed how being physically fit could maybe save my life in an emergency situation one day. I have carried that belief my whole life. The world lost a good man. "
"I am so sorry to hear of Lenny's passing. He was someone I have fond memories of. He was instrumental in pushing my Dad to join the MSP and changed a 12 year old girls life forever :) All in a good way! I would run into him at work throughout the years and he always would stop, chat, ask how my family was. He touched many lives and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family. - Sandra Hentschell Lambert"
"Rest in Peace Lenny - You always lit up a room with your great smile and infectious laughton. You will be missed by many. Mary, Matthew and Katie...my deapest condolences. Marcia Meldrum "
"Mary and family; Our thoughts and deepest condolences to you all in your loss. Lenny was a great guy and we have many good memories of him."
"Mary, Matt and Kati, Our deepest sympathies to you and the Dawson family during this difficult time. Lenny touched many lives in the law enforcement community and always with a smile and respect for others. It was a privilege to have known Lenny Dawson and I'm saddened for his passing. Cherish the memories that Lenny has left for us all. Jack & Gail Schneider "
"This photo really shows off the Lenny Dawson we knew and loved growing up with the McFarland family and all the gang in the Berkley and Atlanta, Michigan venues - one happy, likeable guy with an infectious smile! Lenny will be missed by all of us who had the great fortune of spending time with him along the way."
"Shed not for Len the bitter, Or fill thou heart with vain regret; Tis but the casket that lies here; The gem that filled it sparkles yet."
"Shocked, saddened, and so sorry to know Lenny has left us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary, Kati & Matthew. What a wonderful friendship we shared, Lenny & Mary. From you trusting me to babysit Matthew so you could have a date night, not sure that was your best decision, but hoping you are not worse for it, Matthew. To kitchen discussions on Lincoln Ave, we'll call them free counseling sessions? To weekend trips to Canada Creek Ranch and the joy of friends & fellowship. To champagne night at Spanky's where Lori found out that Lenny's ears shrunk when he partook of the stuff. To Lenny as best man in Lori and my wedding and he chauffeuring us to the reception in the now politically incorrect, "ghetto cruiser". To.... all the other times we shared, stories, tribulations, and open ears to each other, here's to you Lenny. You will be missed beyond words, and as an old friend said, "we'll catch you on the other side!" Jon & Lori Lamy"
"Mary, Mutty and Katy so sorry to hear the news about Lenny. So many laughs and great memories from being around Lenny and you guys from booth in Vango's to Blisterz Gym to the living room of the Duplex . Can't remember a time when there wasn't a big smile and gracious welcome by Lenny. The way Lenny carried himself as Trooper was a factor in one of my reason to get into Law Enforcement. All our thought are with you during this difficult time. A good man gone way too soon. Rest in Peace Lenny. Dave & Cathy DeRocher"
"Kati and Matthew - your dad as a great guy. His stories, and his joy for life will always bring a smile to my face. He was so proud of you two. I'm sending a virtual hug to you both during this difficult time. Much love."
"To the family of Lenny Dawson.
As I received the news on Lenny's passing I was greatly saddened. While many tears will be shed, I will smile. I will smile for having been given the opportunity to have known and worked with such an outstanding human being. His role was to always bring the smile out in you. He has completed his journey and now may he Rest In Peace. We salute You Lenny on a job well done.
David Verhougstraete
Friend and Colleague,
Michigan State Police"
"
To Lenny's family, you have my deepest sympathy. I knew Lenny thru our law enforcement association and found Lenny to be a genuine good guy & thought well of him. I am sadden by his passing and glad to have known him."
"Len was all around good guy, I worked with him at NMU. And knew him as friend . Prayers for Matt and the family ."
"Matt, Kati, Mary, I was so saddened to hear of Lens' passing. He was so proud of his family and his accomplishments. He was a partner of mine for over 4 years and had many laughs, shared stories and good times over those years. He will ne greatly missed by those he called "friend". Sorry for your loss of a father, grandfather, husband and friend."
"Mary, Kati and Matt, we are so sorry for your loss. I worked with Lenny for so many years, he was a person that I will never forget. Even back in the Blisterz days when I first got to know him he left an unforgettable impression. He was always willing to help and would lend an ear anytime. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families. "
"I knew Lenny back in the day of Blisterz. There was nobody better than Lenny and Mary. They welcomed many of us to join their family for many occasions and holidays. Just the mention of Lennys name puts a smile on my face. Thinking of Mary and the kids during their loss."
"Mary, Matt, Katie and family so sorry for your loss. I first met Lenny in 1981 police academy, he was such a great role model and man of character to everyone. Our academy voted him class instructor. It was great knowing Lenny and working with him atNMU he always treated everyone with respect. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Prayers to you all. Rest In Peace."
"I had the good fortune of working with Lenny while we were assigned together at MSP Headquarters. He had a can do attitude, a smile and the energy of two people. Prayers for all his loved ones. Stephen D. Madden, Colonel MSP ret."
"Being able to call Lenny a friend is one of the highest honors we have known. He was a true gentlemen who always had that Lenny smile for all he met. And when he wore the MSP Blue the people of the State of Michigan were well served. Rest easy kind sir and we'll see you again. Keith and Nancy Stanton"
"My thoughts and prayers to the family at this awful time. Lenny and I were in the 94th recruit school together. I remember sparring with him one day in boxing training. I "rang his bell" for a second or two, then covered up when he came back at me. I remember feeling bad about hitting him because he was so nice. Lenny was a great guy. After all these years I still remember his smile, laugh and how he lit up a room with his personality. D/Sgt (ret) David Kelly."
"John and Debby Matchulat We had 113 graduates in the 94th Recruit School. With all recruit schools, we had peer evaluations. Leonard James Dawson, as I always referred to him as was rated number #1 out of 113 recruits. I speak for everyone that knew him, we all loved "Lovable Lenny" another name he carried. May God be with you my friend and with your family. Your old buddy, Big John and Debby."
"Mary and Family-We are so sad to hear of Lennys passing. He was one of my dads best MSP buddies and we will never forget him. He made us laugh A LOT. He made us cry when he spoke about my dad at his MSP retirement party. He was quite a guy. He will be missed. Thinking of you all- Susan Tincknell (Ulvila) & Family"