Gal Pal Marian Dawson passed through the veil on Feb. 16, 2020.

It is always tough to lose somebody you truly love. Today's story is of how I lost a special girl friend with the passing of 87 year old Marian Dawson. I had only known her during the last three years she lived at the Red Cliffs Assisted Center in Nephi, Utah, but during that short time, we became pals. During our first conversation, she announced she was on hospice and given 3 months to live. That is when I told her I would help fulfill her bucket list. She really only had one left, and that was to go fishing, so off to Burraston's Pond we motated, and yes we first got her a license at 4-D where we had our first argument. She wanted only a day permit and I wanted to get her a full year. I won and so did she. Although I have fished with many, I can't recall a more enjoyable fishing companion. With only one lung left, she didn't have a lot of energy in  her frail body, so I would cast her line out. She dragged in a Bluegill, which are small, but she was so excited she held it to her mouth as if she could eat it raw. I threw it back and she cussed me like a sailor. On another leisure fishing trip, we got her a chair and had a blast as she told of her life and 42 years of working as a Registered Nurse after graduating from college in California. She even delivered a baby while working at the old Juab County Hospital, but the late arriving Doctor was the one who got credit and signed the Birth Certificate. When she landed the whopper Rainbow fish and fell down, I wasn't sure if I should giggle or call 911. She laid on the ground and kept reeling it in. Sheriff  Deputy Alan Taylor was nearby but only laughed as once before he had caught me and Ron Jones 4 wheelin in the rodeo grounds just before the Ute Stampede rodeo when Ron was 95 years old and wanted one last rough ride. On Valentines Day, I took a rose for Marian, but she was not feeling good, so it was left for her. On Saturday afternoon, I felt a dark cloud overcome my soul, and knew it was the feeling of death that I have felt before. I searched for my remaining son and frantically called family and friends during my hyperventilating drive from Salt Lake to Nephi. My sister came to check on me and thought it was me going through the cloud of death and doom. During the night, I felt calm when I checked Facebook and determined it was Marian fighting for her breath, and had passed. I was happy and gleeful for Marian, who was greeted by her son Frankie and her mother. Now Marian and April(Thelma & Louise) can sneak off like they did at Red Cliffs, and really enjoy life. Thanks Marian, "My Love Is True Sweetheart for You". Those who worked and knew her will always remember her words for life: "Got to Laugh".