Dawn Marie Thompson (November 2, 1960 – November 19, 2015)

Dawn was a strong believer in Jesus Christ.  She was very supportive of the Young Life program in which her sons actively participated.  She visited Camp Gilead numerous times, as she was a strong supporter of Jim Carlson’s board of trustees involvement, as well as Daniel and Katie Carlson’s activities at camp.  A woman of significance, Dawn’s real gift was her role as “the best mom in the world.” She adored her two boys, Brad and Stevie, and their safety and success in life were always her highest priority. Dawn always made time for their activities and was ever-present at their many baseball games, cheering and encouraging them every step of the way. What they do in life will be founded in her strong support and loving nature. She also had a wonderful ability to gently engage and mother the many good friends that her boys brought home.  Dawn loved baseball and, as a result of her love of the game, both of her sons are exceptional baseball players. Wherever she went, she made the discussions warmer and more enriching (and the kitchen tidier!) and when she walked into the room, everyone smiled that Dawn was now there.  She was loved by so many because, in her quiet, confident, nurturing way, she loved so many and accepted everyone with a smile and a kind word. Beautiful inside and out, she was always willing to lend a hand, give a hug, cry with you and laugh with you.