Michael N. Dawson's Obituary
Michael N. Dawson, 83, died peacefully on June 22, 2026, at Harbor Hospice in Muskegon, Michigan. He was born in Grayling, Michigan to Norman and Matilda Dawson, the third of four children. He resided in North Muskegon, Michigan.
Mike grew up in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, obtaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He attended Central Michigan University, earning a master’s degree in special education. He had a 27-year teaching career, retiring from Montague Public Schools in 1997. His kind, steady and patient demeanor was a perfect fit for helping children with emotional impairment and learning disabilities. He went above and beyond for his students, organizing cross-country ski outings and trips to the circus, and hosting a cookout at his home on the last day of school each year.
An avid lover of nature, Mike was a literal “tree hugger.” He was an activist and donated generously to various environmental causes. He spent countless hours volunteering, helping to clear and mark the ski trails for the winter sports complex at Muskegon State Park.
He traveled widely, reveling in the beauty of the American West, New England, Canada and Europe, a passion he shared with his wife, Laurel. Mike’s primary mode of transport was by bicycle. He logged between 13,000 and 18,000 HPMs (human powered miles) per year. He routinely rode 300+ miles a week, into his 80’s, earning the nickname “Ironman Mike.”
He was a person of principle, humility, and integrity. His example was reflected in the many people he mentored, guided and influenced, imparting a quiet wisdom that spoke volumes. His was truly a life well lived.
He is survived by his spouse, Laurel; son, Timothy M. (Vivian) Dawson; granddaughter, Zoë Dawson; brother, Robert (Mary) Dawson; sisters, Marilyn (Brace) Case and Debbie (Doug) Wheaton; nephews, Marc (Linda) Dawson, Greg (Christina) Dawson, Trevin Case, Darton (Heather) Case, Rydan (Erin) Case, Chris (Nicole) Kukulski, Matt Wheaton, Chad (Sara) Wheaton, and Kevin (Sabrina) Wheaton; nieces, Janae (Ray) Bariuso, Ky (Steve) Valente, and Shari Podvin; sister-in-law, Penny (Curt) Albertie; step-nephew, Andrew Schmidt; and cats, Barney and Beeper.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Heaven can Wait or Muskegon Sports Complex.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at 1:00 PM. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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