Durand Elementary School Principal Dies in Tragic Head-On Crash

Some stories are incredibly difficult to write. This is one of them. Like so many people in the Durand and Swartz Creek communities, I'm heartbroken by the loss of Robert Cawson, who passed away Saturday (August 1) following a head-on collision in Shiawassee County. Cawson served as principal of Bertha Neal Elementary School in the Durand Area Schools district.

Head-On Collision in Shiawassee County Claims Two Lives

According to the Michigan State Police, the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Durand and Lennon roads in Venice Township. Investigators said a 56-year-old Byron woman driving a Chevrolet Silverado south on Durand Road collided head-on with Cawson, who was northbound in a GMC Sierra pickup truck.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released any information regarding what led to the accident or whether either driver was at fault. Heavy rain was reported in the area around the time of the crash, although investigators have not indicated that weather played a role in the accident.

The identity of the other driver has not yet been released.

A Career Dedicated to Helping Students

For those who knew Cawson, the loss is being felt far beyond the walls of Bertha Neal Elementary School.

My wife and I were among those fortunate enough to call Robert (or Bobby) a friend. Like so many others who knew him, we are heartbroken by this devastating loss.

To his students, he was Mr. Cawson. He began his teaching career as a first-grade teacher at Gaines Elementary School in the Swartz Creek Community Schools district.

You know how attending a spouse's or significant other's company Christmas party can sometimes feel like a chore? Robert was one of those people who made me genuinely look forward to those gatherings. He had a way of making people feel welcome, and a conversation with him was always something to enjoy.

Principal's Impact Will Be Remembered

Mr. Cawson dedicated his career to helping kids. As an elementary school principal since 2019, he often talked about making sure the administrative responsibilities of running a school never overshadowed his most important role: helping guide, support, and encourage students.

Robert made a difference in the lives of so many children, families, and colleagues. His kindness, his friendship, and his commitment to kids will not be forgotten.