Gail Edward Dawson Jr.

Gail Edward Dawson, Jr. came to this mortal existence on August 18, 1935. He quietly returned home to his Heavenly parents on August 22, 2022, lovingly surrounded by his eternal wife and family.

He was born to Gail Edward Dawson, Sr. and Helene Ione Simpson in Boise, Idaho. He married his sweetheart, the love of his life, Glenda Joan Bright, on August 15, 1953. They just celebrated their 69th anniversary. They met when Glenda was 15 and Gail was 17 years old. Three days after Glenda’s 16th birthday and three days before Gail’s 18th birthday, they eloped to Winnemucca, Nevada and they’ve never looked back! They are a perfect example of when things get hard you don’t give up, you just dig in and work harder TOGETHER! On June 12, 1964 they went to the Idaho Falls Temple with their four small children and were sealed together to become an eternal family.

Gail worked for many years as a heavy-duty mechanic for Morrison Knutson out of Boise, Idaho. Shortly after their marriage, Gail and Glenda went to work on the Jackson Lake Lodge, where Gail kept the machinery running and Glenda was a cook for the workers. Years later he went to Vietnam for 18 months while still working for Morrison Knutson. After returning home from Vietnam, he found that he no longer had a job with the company. So, they moved their family to Utah where he went to work for Kennecott Copper. He worked the night shift at Kennecott and drove a school bus mornings and afternoons to provide for the needs of a growing family. After leaving Kennecott he went to work for many other companies servicing large equipment. While doing that they were able to form many new friendships.

One of his favorite jobs was the time he worked with his oldest son, Tom, in the cabinet business. Gail worked in the spray booth. He became very proficient at his job and was adamant that things were done correctly. He also very much enjoyed working with Tom to restore the 1959 Jeep Willy’s Wagon. It is fire engine red and will be his “ride” to his final resting place.

In 2007 Gail and Glenda were called to serve as missionaries in Nauvoo, Illinois. They loved sharing the history of the church through stories, song, and dance. Gail enjoyed driving the wagon with the horses through the streets of Nauvoo. He also served with Nauvoo Restoration Incorporated, where he was able to use his talent to repair anything to keep things going—whether it be a wagon, a vehicle, or a lawn mower.

In 2013 Gail and Glenda were called to serve in the Logan Utah Temple, where they served faithfully for 5 years. They loved serving the Lord and the many patrons who came to the temple. Gail always said he had a goal to get everyone to smile.
Through his life Gail has enjoyed cars, belt buckles, and people. He has always had a great love for the Lord, as well as his wife and family.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda, his four children, Thomas (Janet), Deena Gates (Wendell), Rebecca Johnson (Bruce), Charles (Laurin), sixteen grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren, his sister Bobbi Dunn, and many nieces and nephews.

He is very loved and will be missed greatly.

Glenda, Deena, Becky, and Charles (and their spouses) wish to thank Tom and Janet for the loving care that they gave Gail in their home for 2 weeks before he went into the hospital.
The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Logan Regional Hospital and Budge Clinic Rehabilitation Center along with CNS Hospice for the tender, loving care that was extended to Gail, Glenda, and the entire family throughout this journey.
Lastly, many thanks to all the family and friends who have been a support to Gail and Glenda through the last few years. We love you.