Allan Russell (Russ) Dawson Jr., 73

Allan Russell (Russ) Dawson, Jr. passed away at his home on Saturday, October 19, 2019. He died of COPD and heart failure. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, both sets of grandparents. and wife Colene.

Russ was born February 16, 1946, at the Bremerton Naval Hospital to the late Allan Russell and Bonnie Rose (Lillehaug) Dawson

When Russ was 1 year old, his father was honorably discharged from the Navy. The family moved to Clark Fork, Idaho, where the rest of Dawson family was living.

Russ attended the local school, and graduated from Clark Fork High School.

In 1974, Russ married Colene Ruen Vogel, and became a father to stepsons Dexter Vogel and Conrad Vogel, and stepdaughter Parnel Vogel Nelson. From this union came a daughter, Shari Dawson Knoche.

From an early age, Russ loved horses, and became a great horseman. He was a logger, heavy equipment operator, farmer, hunter and he, along with Bob Howard, started the Clark Fork branch of the Bonner County Search & Rescue.

Russ spent a lot of time with the local youth, teaching them how to ride horses, hunt, and was coach of the local Little League.

He touched the hearts of many people in his life, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Russ fell in love with the Clark Fork area, and never strayed far during his lifetime.

Russ is survived by his sister, Sue “Susie” (Val) Millard of Dalton Gardens, Idaho; a brother, Jim (Kathy) Dawson of Clark Fork; his stepsons, Dexter (Liz) Vogel of Clark Fork, and Conrad Vogel of Clark Fork; a stepdaughter, Parnel Nelson of Spokane, Wash; and daughter Shari (Ken) Knoche of Athol, Idaho; grandchildren Trevor Masterson, Tessa Vogel, Brandon Hausladen and Conorey Vogel; nephews Sam (Kathy) Millard, Brian (Dana) Millard, Jeff Dawson, Tim (Tana) Dawson, Lucas Dawson and Kris Dawson; great-nieces and great-nephews Jessica and Jake Millard, Caitee and Lucas Dawson, and James McConnell; aunts Barbara Broadway and Shirley Crawford, aunt Margie and uncle George Christofferson, and aunt BetteAnn and uncle Larry Burkhart. He is also survived by lots of cousins, too many to mention, who were very special to him.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Auburn Crest Hospice of Bonners Ferry. Without their help, Russ would not have been able to die with dignity at home. The family would like to offer our special thanks to Tabatha and Darryl Hays, along with their nephew Wes, who went the extra mile in caring for Russ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation, in Russ’s name, to your local animal shelter or search and rescue.

Coffelt Funeral Services of Sandpoint has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.

Per Russ’s wishes, there will be no service. A combination memorial for Colene and Russ will be held next spring.