St. George, Utah - Judge Richard Michael Dobson passed away December 18, 2011. He was born April 25, 1936 in Yorkshire, England to Richard William and Dorothy Amelia Dobson.

Judge Dobson served in the British Army for 14 years and received an Honorary Discharge. He came to America in 1971.He married, Dorothy Hartley, his eternal sweetheart, March 1972 in the St. George LDS Temple. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved working with the youth. He served in many church positions. He was a St. George LDS Temple worker.

He became a citizen in 1976. He LOVES the United States. He owned and operated Dobsons Decor from 1972 to 1976. Judge Dobson graduated with Honors in Police Science from Weber State College. He graduated from the Utah Peace Officers Association where he served as Class President. He worked for the St. George City Police Department for 10 years as Juvenile Detective and Sergeant. He was known as "Officer Mike", working with youth under age 16. He taught law related education in the St. George High Schools. He became the first Police Cadet Training Officer, training K9 handlers and was a Physical Training Officer. He was an FBI trained composite artist. In 1986, he was elected Justice Court Judge. He retired after 18 years of service.

Through-out his career, Judge Dobson was a member of the Division of Family Life Services Youth Board, Youth in Custody Advisory Board, Big Brother Programs, 4 ^th Justice Juvenile Development Team and Board Director of the Retarded Citizens Board. He received many awards; including the "You Make Dixie Great" awarded from KDXU, Officer of the Year in 1978 by the Exchange Club of Utah, Outstanding Service to Youth in 1979 by the Utah Kiwanis Clubs, Outstanding Service to Youth in 1980 by the Elks of Utah, Honorary Graduate of Pine View High School for service to the school in 1984, Utah PTA Friend to Children Award in April 1986, Utah PTA Honorary Life Membership (highest award) in July 1986, and Outstanding Help to the National Judicial College by the Utah Judicial Association.

Judge Dobson introduced soccer to St. George. He refereed, coached and played. He served as Director of Youth Soccer in St. George and President for District 31 of the Utah Youth Soccer Program. He became a qualified State Soccer Referee and Coach.

Among his many talents, Judge Dobson sang in the Heritage Choir for seven years and as a member, he went on several tours with the choir. He produced two albums - "The Great American Dream" and "In the Spring", which he wrote and composed. He was a talented artist, using watercolors, oils and acrylics. He enjoyed acting in many plays; including "Storybook Christmas", "The Phantom of the Opera", "Bad Guys of Broadway", "A Day, A Night and A Day", as well as comedy roles in various other plays.

Judge Dobson is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his children: Kristen A. Dennison; Stephen (Rachel) Dobson and Michelle (Pete) Curry; 15 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Amelia Dobson; in-laws: Clifford and Mary Hartley; brother and sister-in-laws: Fred Quilter, Herald O. Homer, Arnold Lund, Gordon B. and Gwen Hartley and Catherine and Rex Mabey.

Funeral services will be held December 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Green Valley LDS 3 ^rd Ward Chapel, 1282 West 500 South Circle (off Indian Hills Drive) St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Thursday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel. Interment will follow at the St. George City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.