George Daniel “Dan” Lawson III has been reassigned to the big Union Hall in the sky. Dan shared his life with his one and only, Patricia Lawson.

He was born in Fort Ord, Calif., on Jan. 2, 1954, to George Daniel Lawson Jr. and Jane T. Lawson (Schaefer).

Dan was very fortunate to have not one, but two families; his loving wife, children and extended family, and his Brothers and Sisters of the United Steelworkers (USW).

Dan never half-assed anything. He fought day in and day out for what he believed in. He tirelessly worked on the EqualityMaine campaign, and worked with the USW on several campaigns, including Congressman Mike Michaud's Gubernatorial campaign, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren's campaign. He was a tireless advocate for human rights, and a voice for workers’ rights and justice in the workplace. He was working right up to the end.

One of Dan's greatest joys was spending time on the deck with his wife, children, grandchildren and a pot full of lobsters. Dan and Patricia enjoyed traveling together, but their several trips to Las Vegas were a highlight that lit up Dan's face as he reminisced of the shows they saw, the people they met and the adventures they had. One of Dan's fondest memories was driving from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, even if he did joke that it was just "a hole in the ground.” Dan also enjoyed watching football (Go Steelers!), and college and professional hockey. He loved a good steak, a good beer and good company. He almost always had Queens’ Greatest Hits playing in his car, and was known to change the words to any song to put a smile on your face. He had an aversion to green beans, onions and grilled cheese.

Dan has passed on a legacy to his family of hard work, activism, dedication and the ability to communicate in sarcasm and eyebrow raises. He was also a shining example of what it is to be a wonderful parent.

Dan passed away on March 25, 2017, after a courageous fight against cancer. He kept his sense of humor and mischievous spark through his last moments with us.

Dan is survived by his one and only, Patricia; his children, Stephanie Miller and her longtime partner, Chuck Ganimian, Melinda Bartlett and her husband, Chris, Kimberly Tinsman and her husband, Robert, George Lawson and his fiancee, Brandy Lufkin, and Martin Lawson; many treasured extended family members; as well as too many USW Brothers and Sisters to count.

Dan was preceded by his parents; his grandparents; and his aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 31, at 3 p.m. at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave. in Belfast, with the Rev. Suzie Gowie officiating.

Those who wish to make a memorial donation in honor of Dan's memory, may make donations to Food AND Medicine, 20 Ivers Street, Brewer, ME 04412.