Douglas Dawson

Douglas Adamson Dawson, known by friends as “DJ Doug”, passed away surrounded by family and friends on October 24, 2026. Born November 19, 1978 to Steve and Julie Dawson in San Jose, California, Doug was husband to Tina Bailey Dawson, father to Alan Dawson, brother to Chip (Whitney), Travis and Amy (Orrin), and beloved Uncle Doug to many nieces and nephews.

Doug was born nine weeks premature and at the time was given very low odds for survival or a healthy future. His loving mother cared for him and eventually brought him home, where he was dressed in Snoopy stuffed animal clothes that were too big for him. Inside of that tiny body, though, was a remarkable spirit. Doug progressed and was able to explore and enjoy the world around him. While Doug struggled with some academic subjects, he benefited from the loving and skilled educators at Marshall Pomeroy Elementary School, Thomas Russell Middle School, and then graduated from Milpitas High School in 1997. In high school, Doug played football and earned both his Eagle Scout award and his Duty to God award in 1995.

Doug was a lover of animals, especially cats. He loved G.I. Joe and Transformers, and was a collector of both. He was a master at video games and often beat both of his brothers. He was a proficient cyclist and often went on overnight bike trips with his Young Men’s group. He loved to camp and backpack with his Scout Troop. Doug could memorize and perfectly quote entire movie and television lines, especially the comedies of the 80’s and 90’s. He had a laugh that couldn’t help but make you laugh. Doug had an insatiable love of music like his father. He coupled that love with a DJ business that spanned over twenty years. It was at a dance where he was working that he would meet his beloved wife Tina.

Doug was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served a two year mission to Columbia, South Carolina. He loved the people and places there. Doug shared his mother’s love of all things historical and political, and eventually would go on to earn a bachelor's degree in Political Science from California State University at Hayward (now California State East Bay). He attended law school at Lincoln Law School in San Jose, California. Doug eventually joined his family and moved to Utah, where he earned a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. These are rare accomplishments for a child with learning disabilities, and a testament to Doug’s indomitable spirit and desire to better himself.

The highlight of Doug’s life was becoming a father to his son Alan Dawson. Doug spoke with great pride and love for Alan to anyone around. Though Doug remarried and they lived in separate states, his love for Alan was expressed through phone calls and visits. After a loving courtship, Doug married Tina Bailey in November of 2015, and Tina loved Alan as her own. We express our deepest love and appreciation to Tina for her devotion and love through Doug’s health challenges.

In 2024, Doug began to experience a series of small strokes with each one reducing his physical abilities. Despite becoming legally blind and eventually unable to walk unassisted, Doug loved to be around his family. He loved to share memories and stories. He loved to know what other family members were up to. In March of 2026, a large stroke rendered Doug unable to care for himself and he was transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

Doug’s family is incredibly grateful to the skilled and caring staff at Copper Ridge Health Care and Inspiration Hospice.

Doug’s funeral service will be held Friday, October 30, 2026 at the LDS chapel at 8060 South 615 East, Sandy, Utah. His viewing will be from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. A graveside dedication will be held at 2:00 PM at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery at 3115 East Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

If you ever heard a song that made you want to dance with pure joy, put the song on and dance, and remember our beloved son, brother, husband and father DJ Doug.