William Todd ("The Bear") Dawson Jr.

William Todd Dawson Jr (“The Bear”) was born June 1, 1943, to Doris Ann (Field) and William Todd Dawson Sr. in Sacramento. Raised in Orangevale, Bill attended local area schools and graduated from San Juan High School in 1961.  Bill had quite a resume of jobs that started in high school fighting wildfires during the summers, later joining the Orangevale Fire Department and working for McClellan Air Force Base. Later and after starting his own business in the concrete industry, he then turned to his passion of fishing and love for the sea by becoming a commercial fisherman out of Point Arena. It was during this time he realized there was a big market for fish and went on to open Seafood Suppliers in San Francisco down on Pier 33. This was the beginning of a 25 year career that included time on the Board of Salmon Council, President of California Fisheries and other important industry councils. 

Thanks to his father, Bill’s other interests included motorcycle racing. Known as “The Bear” (because that’s what he looked like on a dirt bike) he became one of the founding members of the Dirt Diggers North motorcycle chapter, whom today still hosts the infamous Hangtown Motocross Classic every spring. In most recent years Bill could be found comfortably watching Sunday NASCAR in his recliner or sharing his craftsmanship cooking paired with beautiful wines with great friends and family.  

He married the love of his life of 26 years, Signa Dawson. He is survived by Signa, 3 wonderful step daughters, 8 beautiful grandchildren, 4 crazy great grandchildren, loving sister Carol Neely-Stephens, 2 nephews, 2 nieces and many wonderful cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Doris Dawson, and brother in-law Arnold Neely.

The Celebration of LIfe honoring Bill will be held at his family home, 8866 Central Ave. Orangevale, CA. on Saturday, September 21st. The open house will he held from 2:00 to. 4:00.  Parking will be limited; however, we'll be happy to shuttle people if necessary.  PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (916-725-2109), directors.

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