William Dawson

If you knew William “Bill” Dawson you were one of the lucky ones. The world recently lost a huge light and advocate for its preservation. Our beloved Bill left this earth peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, (his favorite day) October 29, 2024. But if you know Bill, you know he is not gone, he will live with us daily in the trees, the wind, the moon, the birds, and all the art created by the earth that lives among us. Despite Bill’s pain in his final days he still greeted his visitors and shared his warm smile, making each person feel valued and uplifted. He offered words of kindness, humor, and wisdom, reminding us all to cherish life’s simple, beautiful moments. His spirit endures in every flower that blooms and every gentle breeze, a reminder of the love and light he gave to all who knew him.

Bill met the love of his life Jodi, while working at Oakland Nursery. It was love at first sight for both. You never thought of Bill without thinking about Jodi; it was a true love story that lasted over 38 years.

Bill began his journey into horticulture at an early age, working at numerous golf courses and then became the Landscape Foreman at Oakland Nursery in 1983. Once Bill left Oakland Nursery he joined Ameriflora in 1992 as the Horticultural Director, and then began working for Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in 1993. Bill assisted in creating the Growing to Green project, Columbus’ largest organized effort to promote and provide free community resources for community gardening and city beautification. Started in March 2000, Growing to Green has assisted in the start-up or renovation of more than 200 community gardens throughout the central Ohio area. While most are community gardens, others are school gardens, memorial gardens, and neighborhood beautification projects. Since its inception, Growing to Green has risen to national acclaim and, in May 2006, Franklin Park Conservatory became the national headquarters of the American Community Gardening Association. Bill was also the ambassador for Scott’s Miracle-Gro Foundation GRO1000, traveling all over the country and Mexico bringing green spaces to communities in most need. 

One of Bill’s greatest pleasures about the Growing to Green project was his ability to work with the beautification of communities, teaching people about gardening and mentoring children about the importance of nurturing nature, instilling in them a love for the earth, and fostering a sense of responsibility for their environment. His dedication helped create green spaces that brought communities together, leaving a legacy of growth and beauty for generations to come.

In 2022, Bill retired from his long career in horticulture, devoting his days to the things he loved most. He spent countless hours tending to his award-winning garden, savoring time with family, and creating art inspired by nature. He enjoyed long walks with friends along Columbus’s many nature trails, relished birdwatching, and captured the beauty of the outdoors in countless photos. He liked to keep things simple. He always said, “All you need is a stick and a string”. Bill found joy in cooking dinners with Jodi, sipping wine, kayaking, and riding his motorcycle. Every time he spotted a hawk, he’d say with a smile, “It’s going to be a good day.”

Bill was predeceased by his daughter January Dawson, his parents Robert Dawson and Rita (Wolfe), his brother Paul Dawson and his sisters Mary Dawson, Ruth (Yellowhawk), father-in-law Joseph Rosati, and his beloved dog and companion, Darby. 

He is survived by his love Jodi, his children Haley and Joe, daughter-in-law, Della (Lovell), and grandchildren Oliver, Sam, and Camyrn; his siblings: Bob, Mark, Annie (Gease), Patty (Keel), John (of New Zealand), Margie (Orahood); mother-in-law: Dee Rosati; brother-in laws: George Gease, Gary Orahood, Jim Yellowhawk, Michael Rosati, Bill Morgan, Pat Wright, Larry Risolio, and Jason Bouwman; sister in laws: Nancy (Dawson), Kathy (Dawson), Shelley (Morgan), Sue Ann Rosati, Annette (Wright), Denise Rosati, Patti Stephens nd Renee Rosati; and over 100 nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, which he loved dearly. 

Bill’s service will be held at the Newcomer Funeral Home 3393 Broadway Grove City, OH 43123 on November 11th 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Time of sharing memories and stories 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Bill will be laid to rest at Ebenezer M.E. Cemetery, a place that held a special place in his heart. Over the years, he dedicated himself to its beautification, sharing his love and care with the community through his efforts. When visiting, you are invited to stop by the little library that Bill created with help from friends, a symbol of his love for learning and sharing. Please sign the guest book in his memory.

Donations may be made here in Bill's memory: https://dashboard.dipjar.com/sparkvirtual/5f6b25a1-9d40-11ef-80dc-d17f01506b1f