George Dawson
I was very saddened tonight to learn that has . He was only 45 years old and had been ill for a short time.
I first met George five years ago, soon after I began presenting Sunday Sequence. He's been a very frequent contributor to the programme since then -- either as chairman of the Caleb Foundation, a director of the Evangelical Protestant Society, Grand Master of the Independent Orange Order, or, since 2003, as a DUP Assembly Member. He's also joined me a few times on Talk Back when I've presented. In every case, he would walk into the newroom studio in Broadcasting House, a confident, wide smile on his face, and we'd banter one another before the green light went on. He was a natural broadcaster and a brilliant debater: put him in any discussion and you could be sure the sparks would fly.
I last saw George outside the TV green room on the day the Assemlby election results poured in. He'd been on air with Noel Thompson as part of the 91Èȱ¬'s live Assembly coverage, discussing the implications of the DUP's wins that night -- and he'd a lot to smile about. We met in the corridor: I joked with him about the colour of his TV make-up and he gave as good as he got in return, then agreed to take part in our live discussion the following Sunday morning. On that Sunday's programme, he enjoyed a joke with Ken Newell, the former Moderator, about the "miracle" of power-sharing -- and he was so looking forward to being at the Assembly tomorrow to see the miracle take shape. I've no doubt that George would eventually have played a very significant role in the new government, probably capitalising on his expertise in business.
My thoughts tonight are his wife, Vi, and their two young children. I don't know what George would have made of the theology of the 19th century English preacher with whom he shared a name; but a prayer composed by his namesake seems particularly appropriate tonight:
A Prayer for Comfort
by George Dawson (1821-1876)
Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all time of sore distress,
the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins.
In time of darkness give us blessed hope,
in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage;
and when the heart is bowed down, and the soul is very heavy,
and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness,
and the sun is too bright, and life too mirthful,
then may that Spirit, the Spirit of the Comforter, come upon us,
and after our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light;
that so, being uplifted again by Thy mercy,
we may pass on through this our mortal life
with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust,
hoping through Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy
to be delivered from death into the large life of the eternal years.
Hear us of Thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Comments
That's a wonderful prayer. Can I add my voice to that prayer for George and for his wife. Vi, and children. May God grant them all the peace that only He can bring.
This is very very sad. Rest in peace Mr Dawson.
I too was very saddened to hear of George's passing. He will be missed.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Very moving prayer. God bless the Dawson family at this very difficult time.
That prayer sums it all up. Uncanny that it should have been written in the last century by another George Dawson.
Many people will have disagreed with George Dawson on religion and politics but few will deny that he was a decent man. An absolute gentleman. Good humoured. Full of integrity. I join others here in sending my condolences to his wife Vi and their whole family.
Whilst I may have profoundly disagreed with George's views on issues such as sexual orientation I feel his death is a real loss. Northern Ireland will be without an articulate voice and someone who did sterling work with Business in the Community.
i agree with andrew. ive listened to george dawson talking about my sexuality and have despaired, but i have nothing but sadness in my heart because of his death. he died too young and had so much more to contibute to life here. i wish he'd spoken more lovingly about gay people like me, but this is northern ireland and it will be years before we get the politicians we deserve. i appreciate the prayer, will. i prayed it tonight with george dawson in mind and i hope god touches his family with comfort.
An eerily poignant prayer. Northern Ireland is a poorer place today without George Dawson.
Resting where no shadows fall.
Very sad and shocked to hear of George's death. I remember visiting Stormont a few years ago and George showed us round; he was very welcoming and I enjoyed hearing various tales of Stormont life. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
I am shocked and sorry to hear about George's death. While our politics and views may have differed, I respected him for being an upright, kind and thoughtful person.
My thoughts are with his wife and family.
I met George During The Assembley Elections, were i was assisting him and his collegues on the election campaign can i say he was a real gentleman and alwys had time for people,tually wn't out of his way to speak to you an i will sincerley miss him, my sympathy goes to his Wife Vi and two girls
George was a fearless apologist for the Christian Faith and a tireless campaigner for godly standards in society. We on the Caleb Foundation will greatly miss him, as we seek to further the work that was so close to his heart.
Appreciated very much the brief tribute on Sunday Sequence today.
I have just received my copy of the ULSTER BULWARK William and I see that Sunday Sequence and your self get a mention in tribute to George Dawson.
I would just like to thank William and everyone who has left comments for their kind words. His brother Fergus passed away on Sunday and the pain has just been rekindled for the family. Thank you all.