DAWSON EMMETT SKY CAMPOS

Dawson Emmett Sky Campos was born on June 29, 1993, in Ojai, California. He was a brother to three sisters—Fallon, Jillana, and Rica—and one brother, Zac. He was the youngest son of Ted Campos and Bonnie Miller. Dawson was a friend and a seeker—sensitive and full of heart.

Dawson was a brilliant, creative, and deeply loving soul. He had a sharp wit and a radiant presence. He deeply appreciated music, thoughtful conversation, eclectic fashion, and thrift store finds. His signature glances could speak a thousand words—and if you know, you know.

Though his journey with addiction was complex and shaped much of his later life, it was never the whole story. Those who loved him knew his heart and are blessed to have known the special person he was.

Dawson was incredibly curious and a quick study. As a student, he was recognized for his intelligence and natural gift for creative writing. Though his approach to life was lighthearted, he was more evolved than met the eye. Dawson approached life bravely, powerfully, and authentically. He loved deeply.

He had a great appreciation for beauty and authenticity—the kind that reveals itself through style, depth, and emotion. Dawson sought and made real connections with people from all walks of life. He had a compassionate outlook and simply wanted to see others happy.

Dawson learned many things, and he was good at all of them. Those who knew him knew that, like his mother, he had a love and a natural talent for dance. He enjoyed writing and poetry, which eventually evolved into rapping—blending with his passion for music and creative expression. His everyday life included impressive acting, dancing, and stunts that left us with a trove of amazing material and memories.

Dawson made many good friendships throughout his life. His childhood was rich with love and adventure. He spent his early years climbing and jumping off hay bales, riding emus, pigs, and horses bareback, doing backflips out of the fruit trees onto the trampoline, and riding bikes until the sun went down. He made friends through soccer, baseball, basketball, and football—but his closest friendships were made through skateboarding. From then on, he was shredding halfpipes, grinding rails, and getting stitches. Skateboarding was the lasting chapter.

As an adult, Dawson found his path in the kitchen. His culinary work began with a vegan chef and pioneer of H.I.P. Vegan restaurants, who saw great potential in his skills and encouraged him to stay that course. Dawson also cooked in key roles at Sama Sama, a local Ojai restaurant, and at Chop Daddy in Culver City. Along the way, he received valuable guidance from within his family—from passionate and talented chefs Frank Miller and his sister, Chef J.—who introduced him to the world of catering. He had tremendous respect for all of his teachers.

What he loved most in this world was probably music—perhaps as a means to articulate and experience the abstract elements of life. Dawson was no stranger to spirituality, universal truths, philosophy, intuition, and emotional intelligence—or, as his father, a free thinker and artist, would call it, “the real world.” Dawson believed, in the words of Plato, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” He loved introducing people to specific music, often after truly getting to know them. Dawson was artistically inclined, and it flowed through every part of his life.

Another defining aspect of Dawson’s character was his eye for style. He was keen to detail and valued the craftsmanship and creativity of a well-made garment. He loved thrifting for designer classics. He could find the best pieces in any store and tell you exactly which design features made them exceptional—exactly which small details made them so luxurious. He was incredibly handsome and took pride in showing up polished and looking his best.

Dawson was a sensitive individual—and he was also incredibly strong. So much so that he spent half his life surviving the turmoil and suffering of his dependence. He made miraculous strides in recovery and showed up for life and his loved ones fully, for as long as his struggle allowed.

After a long time staying on track, and after falling in love, it was heartbreak that sent Dawson into relapse. The pandemic pushed him deeper into addiction through the isolating risks that came with using during such an uncertain time. Contact was difficult, but never nonexistent.

Dawson’s next chapter was marked by his decision to pursue healing at the faith-based rehabilitation program at the Salvation Army in Santa Monica. Dawson achieved sobriety, and his excitement for life grew as he began to feel like himself again. He was incredibly grateful and humbled by everything he was experiencing—and by the miraculous journeys he was witnessing in others.

Early in the program, Dawson faced the pain of neglected dental ailments. Tragically, in a medical emergency, Dawson was met with dismissal—ultimately leaving him panicked to find relief on his own, which led him back to a substance.

After leaving the Salvation Army to receive care —nine days before what would have been his 32nd birthday—Dawson was found unresponsive on a sidewalk in Los Angeles, California.

Dawson did not deserve to suffer for another moment, and by God’s will, we believe he was relieved of the horrendous suffering of chemical dependency.

Dawson reached peace through a rekindled faith in God. It has been his family’s greatest comfort knowing he left this world not before finding himself again.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Dawson was a true gift to the world. He brought us joy and beauty—every single day. Dawson is forever loved and will forever stay in our hearts.

Rest in paradise, Dawson Emmett Sky.