Obituary of Milton Dawes

Milton Dawes was born on Saturday, February 4, 1961 and departed this world on Saturday, April 2, 2020. He was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica to Pamela Boakye and Hilton Dawes. Milton migrated to Boston, Mass with his mother and four siblings. The family settled in Dorchester, Mass where Milton attended public schools and excelled in swimming and basketball at the local community center (The Lee School). It was during this period that Milton met and developed a lasting bond with his best friend Antony (Tony) Perkins. The two were inseparable. After graduating high school, they attended the University of Massachusetts and roomed together in Mattapan, until Milton withdrew from college to work full-time for the Massachusetts District Commission (MDC), at several skating rinks. Prior to Tony’s untimely passing in 1994, he accepted the responsibility of being Godfather for all three of Milton and Pauline’s children. Milton was deeply affected by Tony’s passing and said in hindsight, he believed it was the “one life changing event that he could not come to grips with.” Milton was a family man. At a young age he became the responsible male figure in the lives of his siblings. “Billy” as he was called by family and close friends was extremely generous and often went out of his way to help others. He was employed by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) for over ten years before he resigned to open a 24 hours community grocery store “In Ting” and expand his music Sound System. Milton loved music. In the seventies, he started collecting Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, P-Funk and Disco albums. In the eighties his collection turned to Reggae and Dance Hall music. Milton turned his love of music into a profitable music Sound System and could often be heard practicing his flow in the basement with his friends. In 1984, Milton fathered his only two daughters, Petagaye and Jahmeala. The two girls were later joined by six boys, Jahmaar, Jahmain, Jimal, Jalen, Juwan and Justin. In 1986 Milton and Pauline purchased their first home in Norwood, Ma. The couple lived there with their three children, and their doors were opened to many family members throughout the years. It was a family home. They married in 1994 and relocated to South Florida in the early 2000. Milton, a lover of basketball, began coaching his son’s basketball teams and continued coaching up until his untimely death. He also spent time with his father Hilton and other paternal relatives. In 2007, Milton moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue a job opportunity with his good friend Brad. Brad taught him and his two eldest sons “lighting” and they work with many different celebrities in the entertainment industry. In the last few years of his life, Milton moved back to Dorchester, MA where he was actively engaged with his two youngest sons, Juwan and Justin. He devoted his time to encouraging them to excel academically and in basketball. He also spent time with his mother, whom he loved dearly, his brother, sisters, nieces and nephews. Milton loved his family. That love encompassed his soul and often lead him to make choices not in his own best interest. Those of us fortunate enough to have truly known this kind, fun-loving man will forever be grateful for the memories and the joy he helped us to experience.