(St. George, UT) - Prominent community leader Judge Richard Michael Dobson passed away December 18, 2011 at age 75.

Judge Dobson, a native of Yorkshire, England, was born April 25, 1936. He served in the British Army for 14 years from which he received an honorable discharge. In 1971 he came to the United States where he married Dorothy Hartley in March of 1972 in the St. George LDS Temple. He became a US citizen in 1976 and owned and operated Dobson’s Decor in St. George from 1972 to 1976.

Judge Dobson graduated from Weber State College in police science with honors and the Utah Peace Officer’s 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 at local high schools and became the first St. George Police Cadet Training officer, training K9 handlers and served as physical training officer. He became an FBI certified composite artist.

In 1986, he was elected Justice Court Judge and 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, 4th 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 southern Utah in which he played, coached and refereed. 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 Southnern Utah Heritage Choir for seven years as a member. He produced and recorded two 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 wife, Dorothy; his children: Kristen A. Dennison; Stephen (Rachel) Dobson and Michelle (Pete) Curry; 15 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.