REMEMBERING
IVAN DAWSON: A GREAT MAN
“Faithful, loving and supportive.” That’s how his wife and family are remembering him. Officials of government will remember him for his strong moral and wise leadership, a dedicated Christian leader, an elder statesman, a modest and down to earth man, a gentleman, firm and disciplined and a man of quiet disposition, good character and strong personality. The tributes came on Saturday 5th May as hundreds of residents attended the official service in celebration of the life of the late Ivan Dawson, CBE. Mr. Dawson, who was born March 1st, 1914 in Ballast Bay, died April 22nd, 2001 at the age of 87 years.
He is survived by his wife Christiana, son Malvin, daughters Christine, Pearlette, Juliet and Jacqueline, grandsons Elston Thomas, Shawn Dawson, Kevon and Kharlon Richardson, granddaughter Joy Francis and great granddaughter Vanessa Thomas. He is also survived by his sisters Emmeline Thomas and Clemencia Meyers, sons-in-law Valentine Hodge and Wilbert Richardson, daughter-in-law Moiel Dawson, great granddaughter-in-law Carmen Thomas, brothers-in-law Charles Turnbull, Joseph Leonard and Malcolm Meyers, sisters-in-law Essalita Flemming, Mavis Crandall, Delphine Coakley and Marion Jennings and many other relatives and friends.
The late Ivan Dawson began his education at ‘Penny A Day School’ in Cane Garden Bay and continued at Dober School and Washington School in St. Thomas. During his school years in St. Thomas, he went to a joiner’s workshop after school to learn the trade. He had to return home to complete school because his parents could not afford the $1 monthly fee for alien students. After returning home and completing his education, he worked as a pupil teacher for a short while at the Cane Garden Bay School. During this period, he engaged in farming, mending shoes and writing poetry. As many of his contemporaries, he later went to work at Bournefield in St. Thomas and Caneel Bay in St. John.
On July 14th, 1943, he married Christiana Turnbull of Johnny Hill, Tortola and this union produced five children. One of the highlights of their 57 years of married life was the celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1993. In 1957, the Cane Garden Bay District Representative, the late John Charles Brudenell Bruce decided to retire from the BVI Legislature. Mr. Dawson, by then a Methodist preacher of exemplary character, was chosen unopposed to represent the District. He was re-elected in 1960 and 1963.
He served this country in the capacity of Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Natural Resources and Public Health and as Nominated Member and Deputy Speaker. From 1975 to 1983, he served as Speaker of the 8th and 9th Legislature of the BVI. During this period, he traveled to England, Canada, the United States and the Caribbean to represent his country. At this time, he was involved in such projects as the expansion of Peebles Hospital and the acquisition of land for various public uses. He also led a campaign for the restoration and preservation of the Cane Garden Bay Beach. He retired from active public service in 1983. His last appointment was Chairman of the Public Assistance Committee. He also served the BVI Methodist Circuit for many years as Local Preacher, Circuit Steward, Society Steward and Lay Pastoral Assistant.
For his over 40 years of service to his country, Mr. Dawson received numerous honours, including Order of the British Empire (OBE); Commander of the British Empire (CBE); Long Service Preacher’s Certificate - Methodist Church; Cane Garden Bay Community Award for long, faithful service; plaque for faithful service - Carrot Bay Methodist Choir; plaque for 25 years of outstanding service from the 9th Legislative Council; award for long and outstanding service during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Legislative Council; Lions Club Citizen of the Year and the renaming of the Cane Garden Bay School to the Ivan Dawson Primary School.
In 1993, he published a book documenting his life and accomplishments - “A Brief Outline of a Humble Life”. Tributes at the funeral came from His Excellency the Acting Governor Mr. Elton Georges, Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, Speaker of the Legislative Council Hon. Reuben Vanterpool, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Communications and Works and Representative for the 2nd District Hon. J. Alvin Christopher, Opposition Leader Dr. the Hon. Orlando Smith, Representative for the 6th District Hon. Omar Hodge and members and friends of the Dawson family. His body lay in state at the Legislative Council Chamber from 8:30-10 am and at the Road Town Methodist Church from 10:30am-12 noon. The service was held at the church and interment followed at the Cane Garden Bay cemetery. Officiating Ministers were the Reverends Selwyn Vanterpool, E. Lloyd Brissett, Charlesworth Ev. Browne, Brian Seymour, Dr. Wycherly Gumbs, Melvin Turnbull and Eric Dawson.
The Dawson family expresses thanks to all those who have supported them through calls, prayers, cards, flowers, visits and other tokens of love.
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