William Ralph Dobson

William Ralph Dobson, best known as Bill to friends and family, passed away early on the morning of January 18, 2008. Bill was born in Tooele, Utah, February 21, 1923 to Albert LeRoy and Edna McLaws Dobson. Bill lived in Tooele until he enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943. He married LaFair Jensen, also of Tooele, just prior to being shipped overseas, on May 13, 1944. He flew over 30 combat missions as pilot of a P38, based in Foggia, Italy. Upon the end of World War II, Bill and LaFair moved to Logan, where he completed his undergraduate studies and Master’s degrees at Utah State University on an agricultural scholarship and the GI Bill. Bill and LaFair then moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where Bill completed his Ph.D. in psychology at Purdue University. After a series of post-graduate appointments, he joined the Veteran’s Administration Hospital system in Salt Lake City as a clinical psychologist and researcher. During his 25 year tenure at the VA, Bill and LaFair raised their 5 children. In1972, Bill retired from the VA. The family moved first to Hyrum, then to Paradise. During his 35 years in Cache Valley, Bill was involved in writing grants for the Bear River Association of Governments, conducting a private practice, and teaching at Utah State University. He played a major role in increasing the graduate level course offerings in psychodiagnosis. In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed farm work, raising Arabian and Paso Fino horses, and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, LaFair, his 5 children: Carmen Steggell Leonard; W. Kurt Dobson Zivile; L. Kristine Dobson; J. Cody Dobson Dorothy; and David Clark Dobson Tamara; 16 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. Bill requested a simple grave side service with veteran honors. The service has been scheduled Monday, January 21, 2008 at 1:00 PM in the Paradise City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Utah State University Foundation. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .