Dawson, Phillip Eric

Age 67 of Lakeville, Minnesota formerly of East Doncaster, Victoria, Australia, died on May 18, 2017. Phillip was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease with Lewy bodies dementia in 2002. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Mary; granddaughter, Charlotte; father-in-law, Norman Jones; brother-in-law, Earl Scofield. Survived by loving wife of 46 years, Diane; children: Colleen (Scott) Haley of Red Wing, Minnesota; Erica (Alexander “Sandy”) Hercus of Lilydale, Victoria, Australia; Ian (Sarah) Dawson of Burnsville, Minnesota; Bethany (Juan) Olivares of Lakeville, Minnesota; grandchildren: Paige and Reagan Haley, Abigail, Elizabeth and Theodore Hercus, Natalie Olivares and baby Dawson on the way; sister, Anetta Scofield of San Antonio, Texas; brothers, Dr. Tedd (Carol) of Willits, California; Robert (Diane) of Greensburg, Indiana; mother-in-law, Iris Jones of Gahanna, Ohio; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Phil was born and raised on a family farm in Plymouth, Ohio and continued farming throughout his life. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1971 with a B.S. in Agronomy. He was a Naval Aviator and served in the Vietnam War as part of VR-21 out of N.A.S. Barbers Point, Hawaii. He was qualified and trained to fly thirteen different aircraft. Phil retired as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1994. He was a Captain for Braniff International Airlines. In 1990 he moved the family to Melbourne, Australia where he completed his career as Captain with Qantas Airlines, retiring in 2004. Phil was a competitor in the fullest sense of the word. He prided himself on his physical fitness. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and a man of integrity and strong faith. Phil was known for his sense of humor and outgoing personality. He was much loved and will be dearly missed. Phil leaves a legacy of warmth and generosity. Funeral at 10:30am on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Walker Methodist Highview Hills, 20150 Highview Ave., Lakeville, Minnesota, with visitation one hour prior. Private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the National Parkinson Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/get-involved/ways-to-give).