Father Bruno Dawson died on 18th August after a short illness. He was the youngest of three brothers, all of them monks of Ampleforth. Of his two sisters, one died a Carmelite, the other is Dame Benedicta of St Mary's Abbey, Colwich.
All his life he was held in affection and respect as few have been, so compelling was the combination of deep, simple piety and vivacious charm: even a troublesome stammer did not quench the ebullience of his gaiety though it disabled him for many public activities. His schoolboy prowess on the football field was legendary until Association yielded to Rugby. He received the Habit in September 1902 and did his theological studies in Rome. After a few years of teaching here he was sent to do parish work. He served in four parishes of Ampleforth: Dowlais for twelve years, Workington for fourteen, St Peter's, Liverpool, for thirteen, and finally Warwick Bridge for a little over three. His apostolic zeal was inexhaustible. He belonged to the select class of those who can run a Youth Club with success; but all ages were won to him by his evident innocence of soul and shy attractiveness.
His last years were troubled by the fear of being 'on the shelf' owing to increasing arthritis, but God spared him that trial: he died of the effects of a cerebral haemorrhage after only a few days' illness, leaving a memory that will encourage and gladden all who knew him. may he rest in peace.
FRANCIS BRUNO DAWSON 18 August 1955
1882 13 Jul Born at Lytham Lancs
His mother was sister of Abbot Oswald Smith
1893- to 1902 Educ Ampleforth
1902 3 Sep Habit at Belmont
1903 4 Sep Simple Vows
1906 6 Sep Solemn Vows
1910 1 May Parish Priest
1905-08 Studied at St Aneselmo Rome
1913 Sep Dowlais
1925 Feb Workington
1939 Apr Charge of St Peter's Liverpool
1952 Apr Warwick Bridge
1955 18 Aug Died in Carlisle
Buried at Warwick Bridge