Dawes, Ronald B Obituary

Dawes, Ronald B attended North Tonawanda High School in North Tonawanda, NY. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Dawes, Ronald B.

Graduation Year	Class of 1950
Date of Passing	Oct 06, 2014
About	RONALD BLAINE DAWES Ronald Blaine Dawes, 82, having experienced a truly wonderful life, passed away on Monday, October 6. Ron was born on May 31, 1932 in North Tonawanda, New York to Willard F. and Mildred C. Dawes. He graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 1950 and graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Shortly after graduation he was drafted in the U.S. Army, ultimately being based at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas and reached the rank of First Lieutenant. It was during his time at Fort Bliss that Ron met Gretchen, and they would soon be married in Las Cruces in 1957. After being honorably discharged in 1958, and having worked at local El Paso pharmacies for several years, in 1962 he purchased a pharmacy (later known as Las Cruces Rexall Drug Store) in Las Cruces. Ron proudly served his community as a pharmacist for over 50 years. He had been appointed by the governor of New Mexico and served on the state's Board of Pharmacy and was the consulting pharmacist for Mesilla Valley Hospice for over 15 years. Even though Ron was a native New Yorker, he was always proud to claim Las Cruces as his home. Ron had numerous activities, interests and hobbies; most notably being a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 55 years, holding numerous positions and receiving many awards, including serving as Exalted Ruler and being named Elk of the Year. Earlier in his life he was an Eagle Scout, accomplished bowler, a private airplane pilot, member of the Dona Ana Sheriff's Posse, and he and his family were very active in area horse organizations and activities. A result of these horse activities resulted in Ron being called a Drugstore Cowboy, a label he wholeheartedly accepted. One interesting activity was his annual mailing of Ides of March cards. The Ides of March (March 15) is best known as the date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated. Ron's cards would include a combination of Roman history and humor, the cards were always entertaining. Ron was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Gretchen Dawes, his brother Richard A. Dawes of Fredonia, New York and his loyal canine companion, Clyde. He is survived by his three children: Kathy Wise (Jim) of Midland, Texas; Dan Dawes (Shawna) of El Paso, Texas and Greta Jo Kasten (Brett) of Silver City, New Mexico. Grandchildren are Savannah Maylone (Tyler), Zoe Kasten and Trent Kasten. In 2011, Ron married Helen McCarthy. We would like to thank the entire team at Mesilla Valley Hospice for providing kind and dignified care to Ron (and previously Gretchen) and for being a support group for the entire family; we cannot express how much we appreciate each of you. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either the Elks National Foundation (www.elks.org/ENF/TributeGifts.cfm) or Mesilla Valley Hospice (http://mvhospice.org). Ron will be deeply missed by all who loved him. A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 102 St. James Avenue, Mesilla Park, New Mexico, on Monday, October 13, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the parish hall.