Donald Edward Dobson's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Don (May 31, 1946 - June 22, 2023)
Don, an exceptional individual, husband, and father, bid farewell to this world on June 22, 2023. Born on May 31, 1946, Don had a subtle sense of humor, many talents, and a kind heart. These attributes have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. His artistic abilities encompassed various fields. He was proud of his Choctaw heritage. He enjoyed working at American Airlines and formed many lasting friendships.
Don possessed the ability to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art. He loved woodworking, which allowed him to craft pieces ranging from furniture to intricately designed knife handles and jewelry. He paid attention to detail and had a deep appreciation for the beauty that lies within the natural world.
One of Don's most cherished skills was scrimshaw, a delicate art form that involved etching intricate designs onto time-worn walrus tusks and other materials. Through his craftsmanship, he captured the essence of the subjects he portrayed. Don's works of art served as a testament to his creativity and the deep connection he felt with nature.
Don possessed an uncanny ability to create to-scale miniatures of various objects, showcasing his vast imagination and technical precision. He meticulously replicated intricate details.
Don's unwavering dedication to his craft was evident in his ceaseless pursuit of new projects. He was committed to making something beautiful, but it was with a humbleness, and he was reluctant to accept the compliments he always received.
Beyond his exceptional talent, Don will be remembered for his warm and kind-hearted nature and his gentle spirit. He was willing to share his knowledge and skills with others. His sons benefited from his guidance, as he patiently nurtured their own artistic endeavors, leaving an enduring legacy as a mentor and friend, as well as a loving Dad.
Don's legacy as a husband, father, and friend will forever remain ingrained in our hearts. He enriched our lives in so many ways. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary individual, we find solace in knowing that his memory will continue to be cherished and celebrated. He truly brought beauty into our lives. Survivors are wife, Betty Jo (Taylor) Dobson, sons Thomas Edward Dobson, Donald Jason Dobson, daughter-in-law Robyn Gayle Dobson, Grandson Joseph Thomas Dobson, brother Lawrence Wayne Dobson and sister-in-law Cassy Dobson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Rest in peace, dear Don. Your memory will be forever cherished.
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Jason’s Tribute to His Dad, Donald Edward Dobson
People typically say that
you shouldn’t meet your heroes. As for me, I was fortunate to grow up with a father that I still put up on a pedestal. This week we lost my dad to a long and grueling illness, but instead of feeling lessened by his passing, I choose instead to look at all his life has given his family and how we were all made better by his time with us.
Dad wrapped his family in love and support with an ease that most people associate with sipping tea or reading the Sunday paper. It's funny but looking back now I'm sure growing up I’m sure I took this for granted. His love felt effortless as if it came as naturally to him as breathing. I suppose from the time I became a father my dad has been the measuring stick against which I measure myself. To put it in the simplest of terms, the man was pretty damn cool.
I won’t go on and on with stories here to give additional credence to that remark, save for a couple that have come back to me recently. The first is a callback to just how artistic and creative my dad was. He was always carving or making something in the garage growing up, and so when I came to him as a child and asked if he could build me a skiff I'd seen in Return of the Jedi (you know, the flying thing they flew out into the desert on Tatooine to finish off Luke and his pals) my dad didn’t hesitate. Keep in mind, this was well before the internet was a thing, and so he was left to memory and pictures on my Star Wars trading cards for reference, but sure enough after a few days of carving and soldering wires, he handed me what for years was one of my most cherished toys. And my dad, being the perfectionist he was, of course included a retractable plank on which I could parade my Star Wars figures across before unceremoniously dumping them into the Sarlacc Pitt (at the time this was a pile of sand in my friend’s backyard).
Another time much later in life, Dad and I worked together to build a board game table in his garage. This was a massive project, but he knew that I was a board game enthusiast and had been eyeballing these tables to better accommodate the regular game nights I had (and continue to have) with friends. It was a lot of fun working shoulder to shoulder with him, though truth be told I was probably more in the way than a genuine help. I am not, as some might say, particularly handy. But the result was a fabulous (and fabulously huge) table. We’re talking nearly Joey and Chandler entertainment center big. But I loved that table. It recently broke, which makes me sad, particularly now, but it’s the memory of building it with my father that I will hold onto forever.
Oh, and one last thing. Dad’s favorite words of advice that he gave me time and again was to not sweat the small stuff. I am an incessant worrier, so I always needed to hear that from him. I’ll need to remind myself of that.
Anyway, I have rambled on for enough words. Probably more than enough by Facebook’s standards. But all of this is to say that I was blessed to have such a great guy as my dad, and I will always miss him. And I hope to somehow, some way live up to the legacy he left behind.
See you later, Dad. You were the best.
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Tom's Tribute to Dad, Donald Edward Dobson.
May 31, 1946 - June 22, 2023
Dad was everything to me. All of the things I enjoy doing are because we enjoyed doing them together.
From the hobbies, going to the Tulsa Speedway, Antique stores, and Trade shows.
He always made sure we didn't go without. He made every Christmas and birthday great for all of us.
He taught me how to work on cars & model airplanes, and every other hobby I still enjoy.
He provides me with my home that I live in, and made me what I am today. I know that he is in a better place now, and his suffering has ended.
Love you Dad.
Tom
Sunday, June 24, 2023
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
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