Property firm founder had a touch of magic
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a prominent Rotarian and much-loved magician.
Trevor Dawson was a well-known figure all over East Lancashire and was involved with various social and sporting clubs and societies - including over 50 years as a member of the Accrington Rotary Club. He died after a short illness on July 14, aged 82.
He founded his own commercial property consultancy firm in 1989 and retired in 2014.
A statement from the company said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Trevor Dawson after a short illness.
“Trevor was a devoted family man and was married to Susan for 56 years and has three children Caroline, Andrew and Sarah and three grandchildren Edward, Sarah and Abigail.
“He was extremely proud of his close-knit family, home in Wiswell and garden that he created and tended there.”
Mr Dawson started his career as a chartered surveyor at Duckworth’s Estate Agents in Accrington, where he became a well-known figure in the community.
He set up his own firm, Trevor Dawson Commercial Property Consultants, which he grew into one of the biggest in East Lancashire, after many years working at the head of the Entwistle Green group’s commercial property division.
The company, which has offices in Burnley, Blackburn and Bolton, is now run by Trevor’s daughter Caroline James.
Trevor, who lived in Wiswell, was also a keen sportsman, having had a short playing career with Haslingden Cricket Club, before taking up golf - becoming a member of Rossendale, Whalley and Clitheroe golf clubs.
Trevor’s real passion, however, was magic and he was member of the magic circle - and also an active member of the Modern Mystic League, a magic club based in Blackburn.
His love of magic took him all over the world and he frequently travelled for magic events and conferences in the United States.
His passion for magic led him to amass a significant library of magic books and publications - including three self-published titles on the topic.
Dr Roger Woods, chairman of The Modern Mystic League, said: “Trevor was a great enthusiast of magic, writer, lecturer, historian and collector and he loved sharing his collections with others of like mind.
“Trevor, of course, made a huge contribution to The Modern Mystic League having joined the Society on March 8, 1953. He was generous, allowing me to borrow books from his extensive magic library. We always had something of magical interest to talk about.
“He also had many other interests being involved with Rotary (often doing magic at their events) and his local golf clubs for example.”
A funeral service was held at the Church of St Mary and All Saints, Whalley on Wednesday, July 26.