Frederick C. Dawson

Frederick Clayton Dawson, 97, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2020, enveloped with the love of his family and close friends.

Born in Great Falls, Montana to William Michael and Emily (Anderson) Dawson, Fred was the youngest of 5 children of which 4 lived. His family lived in Great Falls where he graduated from Cascade County High School in 1940. After graduation he worked for Tribune Printing and Supply Co. Fred married Helen Marie Hodges on April 19,1942.

In the spring of 1943 Fred was inducted into the U.S. Army and trained as a radio operator and a topographic draftsman. With this training, his responsibility was to plot anti-tank and antipersonnel mines; make tactical maps and sketches of terrain indicating enemy and his unit's positions. Fred was required to be thoroughly familiar with the reading of aerial photographs, maps, sketches which required knowledge of the use of a compass, protractor, aiming circle, and clinometer. He served in the Pacific Theater. His unit landed at Lehti and Mindanao, Philippines, among others. He was only able to start talking about his experiences in the last few years. At that time the family found out how truly lucky we were to have him all these years.

Upon returning home from active duty in December of 1945, they lived in Bozeman, MT so Fred could attend Montana State University. Fred completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Master of Science Degree in Organic Chemistry. Upon graduation in 1951, Fred moved with his wife and 3 children to Casper, WY for a job working in the Chemical Lab at Standard Oil Company. He advanced in the Casper Standard Oil Company to assistant general foreman in heavy oils. In the late 1960's, Fred went to India for Standard Oil Company as a refinery expert. His wife, Helen and their daughter, Jean, traveled with him. They used free time to travel and explore that area of the world. After completing the 13 month assignment in India, Fred returned to Casper American Oil/AMOCO Company (previously known as Standard Oil) and focused on light oils. Then he went to Singapore for three years as the Liaison between Amoco International and the Singapore Government. While living there he and Helen traveled to the Malay Peninsula and Thailand, When he returned to the states, he worked for a short time as a Results Manager for AMOCO.

He retired from AMOCO Oil, but then returned as a consultant on heavy oils on a drilling platform in the North Sea stationed in Stavanger, Norway. Helen and Fred used the scheduled time off the platform to travel in northern Europe.

After completing several consulting assignments Fred and Helen enjoyed continuing to travel, and sharing life together. On their many adventures they often traveled with friends they met while in Singapore. They visited these friends at their home in England, as well as, traveled to the northwest US and Alaska. One of their most cherished trips was to China with a group of the AT&T Pioneers. Fred and Helen shared animated stories of their experiences on the Yangtze River, seeing the terracotta warriors, and the Great Wall where Fred and the other men dressed up as Santa and delivered trinkets to the children who were there.

One of the memories that gave Fred the most joy through the years was the cabin he built at Alcova Lake with the help of his wife and children in 1954. This seventh cabin that was built on the lake has given Fred decades of fun hosting friends and giving his family a wonderful experience in nature. He was always a marvelous host, having great food, drinks, and conversation. He was always ready to provide boat trips up the canyon and had the patience with even a novice for water ski runs.

He was the loving husband of the late Helen Dawson for 65 years. Fred is survived by his children: Bruce (Michelle) Dawson, Carl (Janet) Dawson and Jean Dawson (Charlie Keefer); cherished grandfather of David (Brianna), Michelle (Jason), Lara and Jason (Melanie) and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Pat (Jerry) Mollerstuen of Centralia, WA, and brother-in-law,Wade Hodges of Great Falls, MT; other family, and many, many friends. He will be missed by family, friends and all those with whom he crossed paths.

Fred shares a lifelong legacy of giving, caring, and loving all who crossed his path. His passions were education, traveling, reading, and newspaper puzzles. He left an impact on so many and a legacy that will be remembered forever. His light will shine even as his body is gone because of the love he's shared with everyone over his many years and adventures!

No Memorial Service is planned. Instead, when you are reminded of Fred, celebrate his love and life in your own way. The family requests donations in Fred's memory be made to a charity of your choice.

While right now is a tough time for our entire family, it is also a time of celebration of Dad, Granddad, Great Papa's wonderful life and joy.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Newcomer Funeral Homes and Crematories To share a special message with the family, please visit the guestbook below.