Mourners pay tribute to Frank ‘Digger’ Dawson
Frank “Digger” Dawson’s tribute ended with a balloon launch Thursday in front of the East Liverpool High School’s Alumni Association’s Clock Tower. The initial balloon release was by his son, Dike, and followed by all his mourners, who formed a circle around Dike and yelled “Go, Potters” as they set them off. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
Mourners who celebrated Frank “Digger” Dawson’s life conduct a balloon launch Thursday afternoon in front of the Clock Tower at the conclusion of a tribute held in his honor by the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association. Bob and Robin’s Flowers had donated the balloons and ribbons. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
Balloons float in the air Thursday afternoon at the conclusion of Frank “Digger” Dawson’s tribute in front of the Clock Tower. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
Frank “Digger” Dawson’s tribute ended with a balloon launch Thursday in front of the East Liverpool High School’s Alumni Association’s Clock Tower. The initial balloon release was by his son, Dike, and followed by all his mourners, who formed a circle around Dike and yelled “Go, Potters” as they set them off. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
Mourners who celebrated Frank “Digger” Dawson’s life conduct a balloon launch Thursday afternoon in front of the Clock Tower at the conclusion of a tribute held in his honor by the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association. Bob and Robin’s Flowers had donated the balloons and ribbons. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
Balloons float in the air Thursday afternoon at the conclusion of Frank “Digger” Dawson’s tribute in front of the Clock Tower. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)
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EAST LIVERPOOL -- Three decades after the Clock Tower's dedication, Frank "Digger" Dawson could not have anticipated that days before this year's Pottery Festival that he would be remembered on its front lawn.
Jeff Kreefer, president of the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association, spoke about what made Dawson special, sharing one of Digger's favorite quotes: "Do the right thing, because it is the right thing to do."
Dawson, 90, died June 20.
He was a larger than life community figure who had started the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association, which became one of the largest organizations of its type nationwide and later founded the Upper Ohio Valley Museum at the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame in downtown East Liverpool.
Accomplished in many ways, Dawson was a writer and tireless advocate for East Liverpool.
Speaking at his tribute Thursday were Kreefer, who also is a city councilman; Bobby Smith, East Liverpool's mayor: and Dawson's son Dike.
Noting that his father had always shied away from attention, Dike thought that he would be happy about how his community honored him.
"Deep down, he is glad you all are here today, even though he said he didn't like the attention," Dike added.
Dawson was serenaded with three of his favorite tunes: the ELHS alma mater, "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here" and "Softly and Tenderly," concluding with all his mourners standing up and singing along.
Kreefer also had shared a letter from Frank's daughter, Belinda Dawson, and remaining family that was unable to attend the ceremony.
In addition to thanking the community, Belinda said the family is comforted by the outpouring of support they have received.
"In the midst of our immense loss of this man who was a giant in our lives, we take comfort in knowing he mattered to you, too," she wrote.
Remembering when the old Central School bell on the Clock Tower rang and fireworks lit up the night sky over the Ohio River, his daughter explained that is one of the many memories of Frank they hold dear.
"He was absolutely beaming with pride for his beloved hometown," she continued. "He was a Potter through and through, but all of this stemmed from his genuine belief in the goodness of people."
In conclusion for the successful event, which began late as they kept having to fetch additional chairs for attendees, Kreefer offered the thanks to the ELHSAA board members and volunteers, Bob and Robin's for donating 90 balloons (one for each year of his life) and the accompanying ribbons, photographer Jimmy Joe Savage and videographer Jason Croxall from the ELHS's Potter News Network.