Dawson launched the agency in Ashington, Northumberland 62 years ago and was a key figure within the business right up to his passing, attending board meetings and weekly catch-ups.
Business development director David Chambers said Dawson “lived for” his agency, adding: “His ethos always remained the same.
“Tom started the business as a small family business, and this never changed throughout the years, as every member of the team was classed as family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Chambers went on to describe Dawson as “a truly charismatic leader” who would leave behind “a great legacy”.
Today, Dawson & Sanderson’s estate comprises 20 retail stores, a corporate travel arm and a foreign exchange operation. Its Sunderland branch was named among TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies last year.
The business also owns Longhirst Golf Club. In his later years, Dawson spent much of his time at Longhirst, where he created a golf club designed to be accessible to all ages and demographics.
Graham Chambers, golf director at Longhirst Golf Club, said: "It is with a very heavy heart I share the sad news of Tom’s passing.
"Tom lived and breathed Longhirst when he stepped back from Dawson & Sanderson, and has created something very special over 30 years that we, as a team, look forward to taking forward in his name."
Dawson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on 8 September 2024.
