Dawson was the heart of our family. His passing left a space that can never be filled and changed us forever. Only after he was gone did we fully realize just how tender and extraordinary his heart truly was.

When we look back on Dawson’s life, what stands out most is his genuine love for people—a love that was rare and sincere. He lived with selflessness and compassion. Dawson was always encouraging others, always looking for a way to make someone laugh. He noticed when someone was struggling and never hesitated to reach out, to lift them up, to remind them they mattered. He had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved.

Many people told us Dawson seemed like “the cool kid,” yet he treated everyone the same. He would talk with anyone. Some students who felt bullied or overlooked shared with us that Dawson made them feel accepted—that he was their friend when they needed one most.

Dawson was humble, patient, kind, forgiving, encouraging, funny, and incredibly talented in so many ways. He loved music and poured his creativity into playing and writing on the guitar. He loved sports—basketball and water polo—but especially cherished playing FIFA soccer with his brothers or joining pick-up basketball games at local parks with friends and strangers alike.

At Dawson’s memorial, Pastor Dan shared that in the hundreds of services he has officiated, he had never heard anyone spoken of so highly. Nearly 3,000 people attended. We were humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, and amazed by how many lives Dawson touched in just 20 short years.

Dawson showed us what it means to love well.

That is his legacy.

That is how we choose to live—

to Love Like Dawson.