It was with great sadness that I learned of Tom's passing. I had the pleasure or working as a secretary for one of his law partners for ten years and in all that time I remember he always had a smile and was always a pleasure to be around. He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and friends.
To this day, as always the days to come, thoughts, memories & pictures of Tom run up & down my mind. You never judged and you always made people feel safe. Your sincere regard for the well being of others set you aside from all attorneys in Hampton Roads. There was so much I wanted to tell you, but withheld because I just wanted to hear your stories, your laugh, so soothing is your voice. I pray mostly for you Tom Dawson, that You may be comforted and healed, instead of You doing the comforting and healing. With love & utmost respect, your friend who misses you tremendously & would trade this fate with you in a heartbeat-
I probably did not know Tom as well as others leaving messages, but I knew Tom well enough to know he was a great person with a gentle spirit. He was a team mate of mine on several tennis teams. What struck me most was that he just seemed happy and content and smiled all the time. He had fun playing tennis, but I know great faith can do that for you, he seemed to have it figured out. I am sorry to hear of Tom's family's great loss here on Earth but know he has moved on to a heavenly place. Peace be with you all. Ian
Whether on campus at JMU or close by as a neighbor for a few years, Tom always had a smile to go along with a greeting, like each encounter was a new beginning. The passing of years never seemed to dim the natural enthusiasm he carried. I admired how effectively and easily he could accomplish so much and how he was the same person in adulthood he had been in college, always quick with a positive response and encouragement. Thatâs impressive and comforting. We will miss Tom and hope Laurie, Kathleen, Charlotte, and Tommy know our thoughts and prayers are with them.
When I remember Tom or "TD" as we called him I can only smile. Becuase Tom always wore a smile. Tom helped open a door for me for my first job that was with The Upjohn Company in 1984. He mentioned his father worked for Upjohn and I asked him if he could ask his father if I could send him a resume and help me identify a contact within management. Tom must have convinced his Dad to pass on my resume and I was hired and worked for Upjohn for 12 years. I am grateful to Tom for that introduction that opened many doors for me professionally. He enjoyed helping others and gave unselfishly.
Personally, Jarl and I have wonderful memories being with Tom from the summer of 1983 in Virginia Beach, going to many weddings together, vacations in the Outer Banks and a few pre-Thanksgiving dinners with our college friends at our home in Northern Virginia. We loved Laurie from the start and knew she and Tom where a great pair. Tom had integrity, personality and was bright. We often kidded him that one day he may be Governor of the Commonwealth. It was a pleasure to be in his company. We will miss Tom greatly even though we have not seen he and Laurie as often during our parenting years but our memories are strong. We will continue to look for your Christmas card Laurie and watch Kathleen, Charlotte and Tommy grow and move into adulthood. You will always be part of our JMU family and Tom will always be with us in spirit.
God's peace and grace be with you,
Beth Bliss
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Maureen and I were deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing. As a fraternity brother at JMU, Tom was one of those people that made you proud to be associated with Sigma Nu. He was kind, warm and represented all that our fraternity stood for. I am grateful to have had Tom as a friend during my college years, he was a brother who I worked hard to emulate.
My deepest sympathy to Tom's family, my hope is you find comfort in the wonderful memories I am sure you have of Tom's life.
Chip Funk
Iota Delta 226
Sigma Nu Fraternity
James Madison University
Tom was an outstanding member of Sigma Nu Fraternity Iota Delta Chapter at James Madison University. Tom was initiate #202 in the oldest continuously active Fraternity at JMU Founded 1974. Tom served as Lt Commander ~VP in a 1982-1983. During Tom's tenure as an officer, Iota Delta Chapter received "The Rock Chapter" award as one of the top 5 chapers within Sigma Nu Fraternity Worldwide. Tom epitomized the character of a Sigma Nu Brother. Sigma Nu was founded at VMI in opposition to the common fraternity practice of hazing. It's makes perfect sense that Tom would become a Sigma Nu since Tom Dawson would never have associated himself with the practice of hazing. The guiding principles of Sigma Nu are: Love, Truth, and Honor. Hard to think of more appropriate words to describe that character of Tom Dawson. The Iota Delta Chapter motto is "Quiet Pride" - Yet another fitting description of how Tom Dawson carried himself. He achieved much in his life, but always seemed more interested in you than in talking about his own accomplishments.
It was a privaledge have Tom as a friend. He will be missed greatly, but his memory will live on within the hearts of his Sigma Nu Brothers.
Our deepest condolences to the Dawson family. Our office had the pleasure of working with Tom on several cases. We knew from the very first day we met him he was a wonderful person with a sweet spirit. He will be truly missed. Our team has lost a great friend. Our prayers go out to all of you.
What a beautiful service and a beautiful person Tom was. Love and peace to you, your children and your extended family Laurie.
~ Betsy Almeda~ xoxo
We are saddened by the untimely passing of Tom. Our condolences and prayers go out to Tom's family, colleagues, and friends.
Laurie,
We are deeply sorry to hear of Tom's death. So many thoughts and prayers are with you, Kathleen, Charlotte, and Tommy. We will always remember Tom's infectious smile and friendly manner. God bless you and your family.
Our prayers,
Dave and Jennifer
I recently had the privilege of working with Tom in a very difficult case that was resolved largely through Tom's willingness to stand-up and speak out. His courage and clear moral compass will be missed in our profession.
I am truly saddened to learn of Mr. Dawson's passing. I had the distinct pleasure of working with him many years while employed with the Chesapeake Circuit Court Judges Chambers. He was always a perfect gentleman. He will truly be missed.
Sincerely,
Rannie C. Brown
We are deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing. Over the years we had the distinct pleasure of working with Tom. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kristi Wooten, Anthony Mulford, Peter Shaddock, Christina Hardwick and Staff
I was totally astonished by the news of Tom's death. As a former neighbor I watched the beginnining of a wonderful new happy family. The memories unfolded as my daughter babysat for them over the years as we also shared the love of dogs. I am so sad for the families loss. Laurie you are so wonderful and I pray for your strength as you continue to raise those wonderful kids with his memories to cherish. Please call if there is anything we can do. Love, Suzy and Tom Brett
LAURIE, KATHLEEN, CHARLOTTE AND TOMMY,
OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOU DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW. MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH THROUGH THE DIFFICULT DAYS. THE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES WILL LAST IN YOUR HEARTS FOREVER. MAY TOM'S MEMORY FOR BE FOREVER ETERNAL!
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
THE KARIDES FAMILY
DIMITRI, POPI, GEORGIOS AND SOPHIA
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you. We have always looked up to your family and think the world of you.
My deepest sympathy. Tom represented me & State Farm over a difficult seven years of being sued. His unfailingly positive attitude and kindly presence were a wonderful help. His loss touches me personally, even after many years.
Anderson Orr
I work for plaintiff's attorneys who speak very highly of Mr. Dawson. My prayers are with your family. He positively impacted not only those he worked directly with, but the legal community as a whole.
I had the pleasure and honor of having Tom as my first boss and working for him for 5 years - his warm nature, kindness, and true sense of being a gentleman has remained unmatched by any others. My most heartfelt condolences to Laurie and the children- let your wonderful memories of Tom help carry you through this most difficult time. Your family and Tom are forever in my prayers.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Laurie,
I am so sorry. My heart aches for you. Your children are so blessed to have had Tom as their father and to have you as their mother.
A special man has has left our presence, but not our hearts. Please remember that your loss is shared by those who care and understand.
Pat and George Downer
I have been working for Tom for 6 years. He was the BEST BOSS EVER. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten! My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
We are so sorry for your loss. We pray for comfort and strength for all of you. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.......
The Wenzel family
Tom was ALWAYS a kind, beautiful person that Frank and I were honored to call friend. We will never forget him and will hold dear all of our wonderful memories. Laurie, our deepest love and condolences go out to you and the children. God bless.
"My deepest sympathy goes out to the Dawsons, the firm, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of their beloved Thom. He was a gentleman. and is sorely missed."
My Deepest Sympathy to the family, friends, colleagues, and TBBA. God bless.
We are so very sad to hear about Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May God comfort you and help you find peace.
Catherine & George Neskis
I was your newest paralegal having only worked for you for 4 months yet you made me feel part of the team from day one. I will miss you and I pray for peace and comfort for your family.
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Dawson family from the Mills family neighbors from Tommy's childhood in Seabrook. Tommy was always a great guy who did everything right. He and our son, Mark, were friends and sometimes Tommy went camping at John Kerry Reservoir with us, and boating on Chesapeake Bay. He was a joy to be around. We regret that he has left this world at such a young age, but he seems to have done so much good during his time on earth. May God comfort all of you and give you peace.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.