On Saturday, February 20, 2021, Lawrence Dwight Dawson, husband, brother, and father to 11 children passed away at the age of 76. Lawrence was born June 17, 1944 in Boise, ID to Alson and Lillian Dawson. He received a degree from Idaho State University and studied at Columbia University under an academic fellowship pursuing a masters in Sociology. Lawrence had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for fine wine and French food. He worked within the wine industry for decades founding Northwest Grape Growers Magazine, introducing polyethylene wine tanks and drip irrigation systems into the Napa Valley and finally followed his dream to open a family owned and operated winery, Cana Vineyards. In his early years, Lawrence married Norma New on August 2, 1963 bearing two children Kathrine and Laura. Later in life, Lawrence married Margaret Rayborn on April 25, 1978 in a small chapel on the Boise river in Boise, ID. Lawrence and Margaret bore nine children: Christine, Mary, Anna, Alexander, Lawrence, Lillian, Sarah, Jonathan and James. Lawrence had a passion for intellectual pursuits and loved studying mathematics, chemistry, physics, writing (having penned and publishing several books) and lively debate. A bright mind with intense passion for his pursuits Lawrence had a way of putting a shine on the world when so desired. His charisma was powerful and in a crowded room people were drawn to his lively personality and spirit. He was preceded in death by his father, Alson, and his mother, Lillian. He is survived by his sister Dian Bigler; wife Margaret; and his 11 children; 20 grandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, February 25, 2021 at the Wilder Cemetery located on Stewart Lane in Wilder. Flowers for the service may be sent to Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa (208-467-7300) in care of Lawrence Dawson.
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