Rodney had a long life interest in composing poetry and writing short stories.
In retirement his abiding interest continued in the arts and practice of calligraphy & illumination. He continued to advise on these subjects to colleagues and students for many years after his retirement. Indeed he undertook calligraphy for this church, for many years designing the front cover of the parish magazine. He also used his skill in undertaking the list of incumbents at St George’s, which can be seen on the back wall of the church.
He was a prolific contributor of articles for publication in St George’s News, covering a wide range of subjects.
Rodney spent the last 21 years of his life with Barbara. They travelled extensively and it was their wish to dance in every capital city of Europe. They spent many happy times in Barbados with Rodney’s sister and her husband. He also visited his brother in Australia, on several occasions.
Rodney had a zest for life and had been a keen gymnast in his youth. He continued to enjoy cycling and even ice skating up until the age of 86 when his declining health curtailed much of his beloved pursuits, although he continued to enjoy walking and his love of the outdoors until fairly recently.
He had a strong faith and was an active member of St George’s for many years, and latterly attended St John the Baptist Church at Rowlands Castle.
Rodney Dawson passed away peacefully on 24 December 2021 at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth. Barbara was with him.
Rodney Oliver Dawson, was born in Woking, Surrey, on 16 January 1930. He was the eldest of 5 children and grew up in Pinner, Middlesex.
He married Joan in 1948 and they had three children. Jennifer, Martin and Amanda.
Rodney was widowed in January 2000. His daughter, Jennifer, sadly passed away in December 2009.
He leaves behind his two surviving children, 7 grandchildren, 12 Great Children and 1 Great Great Grandchild and his long-term partner, Barbara.
Rodney was briefly in the Film industry and did National Service in the RAF after which he joined the Police Service in 1950 and achieved the rank of Superintendent by 1970.
He taught at Hendon Police College and also at the Bramshill National Police Staff College.
Early in his adult career he gained distinctions in his studies for social psychology and general psychology between 1959 and 1963, winning the Gilchrist Prize as the most dedicated student over the 4 years. He also gained a BA honours in social sciences from the Open University 1974 to 1976, and an MA in education from Sussex University 1984 to 1986. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was proud to hold lifetime membership.
After retiring from the Police he became a Senior Lecturer at Portsmouth Polytechnic between 1970 and 1990.
