Joseph Albert Dawson

On Saturday, August 27th, 2022, Joseph Albert Dawson, loving brother, passed away at age fifty-nine. An attorney and avid hunter and fisherman, Joe earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the College of Law at the University of Denver. Joe was a security guard for large concerts and events at Red-Rocks, Denver, which led to his own security business for big venue events. Next Joe spent thirty-four years as an Elder Law attorney, a partner at Chayet Young Dawson Meegan and Danzo in Denver where the firm managed elder law cases in the state of Colorado including complex guardianship and conservatorship laws. Joe was proud of the practice committed to the fields of elder law, special needs law, fiduciary law, and probate litigation. 

After retiring Joe enjoyed spending time with his dogs, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his big extended family. Joe was known for having an open-door policy to help his family and for those-in-need he would generously provide pro-bono legal work and advice. Many of his friends and neighbors benefited from his generosity when he would help them – whether they were working on a job application, needed help fighting a dispute, or just seeking guidance in their lives. Joe loved to go fishing   with his brothers and friends and had a knack for finding big salmon, bass, and trout on the end of his line. 

Joe also had a love of military history, in particular the introduction of Jet aircraft (his father was a highly decorated fighter pilot), and WWII memorabilia, in part because of his uncle and namesake Joseph A.  Dawson, a recipient of the Purple Heart, who fought in WWII and who was held as a prisoner of war by Japan. Joe was an avid reader. When he was not spending time with his dogs in the park, he would dig into history-based non-fiction, but he was particularly fond of spy novels and thrillers. Joe was best known for his keen wisdom, quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and generous spirit.  

He is survived by his sisters and brothers Deborah Troy, MD (Phil), Diane (Scotti) Vermaelen (Michael), John Dawson (Cindy), James Dawson (Roz Dimon) along with his nieces and nephews  who he dearly loved William Troy, Kris Troy, Michael Vermaelen Jr, Daniel Vermaelen (Allie), Jason Vermaelen (Megan), Travis Vermaelen (Annie), Nicole Vermaelen, Olivia Dawson, Connor Dawson (Nina), Nathan Dawson  alongside wonderful great nieces and nephews Adele Margaret, Louis Andrew, and Caroline James. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, with the wake from 12:30 to 1:30 pm and mass at 1:30 at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 15615 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, followed by a private burial for family members only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able may donate to the Companion Animal Alliance, https://www.classy.org/give/76290/#!/donation/checkout.