Dawes, 55, died on Dec. 28, two weeks after complications from cancer surgery. His death not only ended his efforts to successfully integrate technology into the lives of economically disadvantaged students, he also leaves behind two adult sons, Chris and Greg, and one son, Nicholas, who is a senior at Lincoln High School.

"He was always on the cutting edge of institutional technology," said San Jose Unified School District Superintendent Linda Murray, adding that he was instrumental in acquiring millions of dollars in state and federal technology grants.

Dawes first came to the district in 1972 and taught math and computers at Bret Harte Junior High School. After teaching at Bret Harte Junior High and Pioneer High School for a combined 13 years, he transferred to the district office to work as the math and computers district coordinator. He also installed the district's first computer network. Later he worked to improve technology at magnet schools and then became the district's technology manager.

Director of Curricula Joanna French remembers when Dawes tried to convince the district to replace its IBM Memory typewriter with Macintosh computers in the 1980s and was voted down.

"One by one he taught us the beauty of computers, until we all had to have one," she said at a district memorial service for Dawes on Jan. 6.

French said it was because of Dawes that the district has a long-standing relationship with Apple Computers. He began the district's journey in educational technology with an array of other tools, including email, a website, software to support instruction, Palm Pilots, MeetingMaker, student laptops at Gunderson High School and $35 million in magnet grants focused on technology.

Director of Elementary Education Rosa Molina said Dawes never accepted administrators' excuses or insecurities regarding learning the newest technology, because administrators could not afford to hold children back.

"Many people didn't realize he had a national reputation," said Director of Magnet Schools Norris Hill, who often traveled with Dawes to national conferences. Hill said Dawes presented technology workshops to other large, urban districts, including ones in San Diego; Dade County, Florida; and Chicago, Ill. He also made presentations to the United States Office of Education on how federal funds for technology were being spent.

French said it was never important to Dawes who received credit for making advancements. He only cared that the results became a reality for those using and needing the technology.

She added that he was a tough negotiator with vendors, continually working to get the best deal.

He also had a distinctive laugh and "saw the humor [in life] when it was hard to find the humor," said Director of Purchasing and Contract Management Pat Day.

Superintendent-elect Don Iglesias said Dawes shared his love of fast cars and that the two had a friendly competition to find the cheapest set of good chrome rims for their Corvettes.

After Iglesias thought he had found the best deal, he went to Dawes, who grinned because he had bought them $50 cheaper from the same vendor.

Iglesias added that Dawes' office was the "communal stopping point" on the third floor because his light would go on at 6 a.m. when he arrived at work.

Kurt Kuhlmann, technology resource specialist, knew Dawes for more than 20 years and rode motorcycles together.

"It was like losing a brother," he said.