Flyn James Dawson

At the young age of 56, Flyn James Dawson, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 18, 2021, with his wife and daughter at his side. Flyn fought a long, courageous battle with cancer. As a husband, father, son, brother, and uncle he always made it a priority to be involved and engaged with his family. He left his family and friends with many fond memories. Everyone can agree that Flyn was witty yet straightforward, funny and entertaining, and was your instant best friend if you laughed at his jokes. He had endless funny stories that were suspenseful to keep you coming back for more. He liked to say he was working on his stand-up comedy act.

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Flyn was born to Ray H. and Jolene W. Dawson in Provo, Utah and raised in Midvale, Utah. He attended Hillcrest High School and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Osaka, Japan. His mission instilled in him a deep love for Japan. He served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1992. Flyn went on to graduate from BYU and completed an MBA from UC-Irvine.

He met and married Donna L. VanderNaald in Long Beach, California. Soon after, they were blessed with a daughter, Paige, creating a beautiful family. Together they enjoyed family time and trips to international locations. He passed his love for Japan to his daughter Paige. This connection brought the two of them great joy. He was very attached to his little dogs Rose and Ruby, who stayed by his side religiously.

At the time of his passing, Flyn was a Senior VP/Senior Relationship Manager in the Core Real Estate Banking Group at Zions Bank. He thrived in his position at Zions Bank and had many friends, colleagues, and clients; he truly cherished those relationships. He simultaneously worked at the University of Utah as an Associate Professor and Lecturer in the Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program. He was also the Director of the Ivory-Boyer Real Estate Center. The friendships with his students and staff at the MRED Program brought him great fulfillment. As part of program, he had the opportunity to take students on trips to explore real estate development in other parts of the world. This was probably the part of the MRED experience he enjoyed most.

Flyn loved sushi and a sharp suit. He relished meeting friends and family for lunch or dinner. In the last few months of his life, many people came to his home to visit, watch sports, or drop in with homemade treats. These gestures brought him so much comfort.

He had a special place in his heart for those down on their luck who needed a helping hand. He participated in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.

Flyn served as pianist in the Corner Canyon 5th Ward primary for many years. It was something he really looked forward to doing. He had abiding faith and hope in the Savior. He often listened to his favorite hymns to bring him peace and comfort.

Flyn is survived by his wife, Donna, their daughter Paige, his parents Ray and Jolene Dawson, his two brothers Brett (Shirley) Dawson and Wade (Marilyn) Dawson, and his only sister Ellen (Alan) Hills. Donna’s mother Phyllis VanderNaald, and Sister-in-Law, Tria (Bill) Welch. Numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

He was preceded in death by his older brother Micheal Ray Dawson, Father-in-Law, Reinhart VanderNaald and a great nephew Oliver Palma.

The family wishes to thank the many healthcare professionals who treated and cared for Flyn during his long battle, especially those at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Dr. Jonathan Whisenant. They also wish to extend their gratitude to all the neighbors and friends who reached out, visited and provided assistance over the years.

A public visitation will be held Friday, July 23, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) in Sandy. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Corner Canyon 5th Ward meetinghouse, located at 13006 S. Boulter Street in Draper. An additional visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery immediately following funeral services. Online condolences may be offered at www.larkincares.com

A scholarship fund has been created in Flyn’s honor. There is a link below if you wish to contribute.

https://www.givecampus.com/schools/DavidEcclesSchoolofBusiness/flyn-dawson-memorial-scholarship