| John S. Dobson | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Name::Jack Dobson |
| Born: | Born::1918 |
| Died: | Died::2007/07/19 |
Jack Dobson (1918-2007) was an Ann Arbor attorney.
In the news
One of his biggest negotiating successes was persuading the university to help defray the cost of the city services it used. The final agreement called for annual payments of $127,000 from the university to help the city improve the sewage disposal plant, plus payments for the salaries of seven policemen. Jack Dobson, a city council member and lawyer, handled most of the negotiations. Like Ann Arbor's parking system, the university settlement aroused interest around the country, especially in college towns such as Madison, Berkeley, and Ithaca, whose leaders asked advice on how to negotiate similar agreements in their communities.
Obituary
Dobson, John Steuer ("Jack"). Died on Thursday, July 19, at Arbor Hospice, surrounded by his family. Services will be held Monday, July 23, 2:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor.
The community lost one of its most respected and beloved citizens when Jack Dobson passed away July 19, 2007. Known to his many long time friends as "Honest John," he carried on a three generation Ann Arbor family tradition of community involvement and philanthropy in addition to pursuing a long and distinguished legal career. Born in Ann Arbor in 1918, He lived his entire life there. He graduated from University High School and was captain of the basketball team. He graduated from U-M Phi Beta Kappa and lettered in track as a half miler. A U-M law graduate, he served as senior editor of the law review, was awarded the Order of the Coif and was a charter member of the M Club. After graduation, he taught U-M law classes to returning WWII veterans.
In his law career he championed many causes, successfully representing U-M faculty members investigated by the House UnAmerican Activities Committee, was a principal in several firms bearing his name, and at retirement was of counsel to the Bodman firm. Jack's devotion to his community could be seen in his three elected terms on the Ann Arbor City Council and service on many boards and commissions. He was a founder of the Ann Arbor Community Center, the Huron Valley National Bank, and the VP Club. He contributed generously to Alzheimer's research, Ann Arbor Community Foundation, University of Michigan, and Hillsdale College, among many others.
A long-time member of Barton Hills Country Club, he was an avid golfer. He also was a founder of the Huron Valley Tennis Club where he was a sought after partner and feared adversary. A regular lunchtime ritual was participation at the Ann Arbor Club, especially on "Pie Day."
His contributions, financial and personal, to his community were deeply appreciated; however, he will chiefly be remembered for his ebullient spirit, his definite opinions, his support of Michigan athletics, his love of music, his sense of humor, and his love and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Alice, sister Angela Welch (Lyndon) of Ann Arbor, daughters Wendy Browner (Jack) of Dana Point, California, Tracy Dobson (Oscar Kent) of East Lansing, and stepdaughters Danielle Korneliussen (Tor) of Boda, Norway, and Robin Vincent (John) of Ann Arbor, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and by his beloved cat Brownie. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Arbor Hospice or a charity of one's choice. Go blue!! Obituary written by his daughters.
