Mr. John (Jake) Oswald Lawson

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, John was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with John knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Jake was born on June 23, 1942 in Middlesbrough, England. His parents were Jack and Molly Lawson. Even as a youngster, Jake learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Jake was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jake was raised with three sisters, Patricia, Barbara and Beverly. Jake had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Jake, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Jake's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jake enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In his spare time he liked Mechanics, threatre, camping and music.

      In school, Jake was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, John was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Jake's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Stainsby Boys School in 1958 where he enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers.

      Jake's practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Jake’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When John saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Indentured Apprenticeship for Mechanical Fitter.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Jake reveled in the security of his family. On October 17, 1974 Jake exchanged wedding vows with Johanna O'Rourke in Kitwe Zambia. One of John’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Jake was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jake would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jake was blessed with five children, two sons, Jamie and David and three daughters, Samantha, Michelle and Vanessa. He was also blessed with nine grandchildren, Bianca, Jenna-Lee, Grace, Adrian, Liam, James, Jack, Caitlin and Sterling.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jake was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jake was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jake upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a Millwright. Jake was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Jake approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly in all of his work activities and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were golf, darts, singing and family.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jake to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included bowling, golf and darts, and in his younger years rugby. He also was an avid Toronto sports fan and religiously followed the Blue Jays, Leafs, Raptors and Argos.

When it came time to travel or taking a vacation, Jake used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Jake's favourite vacation spot was the Grand Cayman; a second home.

Jake was a lover of animals and cherished his pets especially his latest rescue Kanga, an Italian greyhound/miniature pincer cross. They were best friends for 7 years. His family was rounded out by his cat, Morris.

When Jake’s retirement finally arrived in 2007, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in singing in the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. In many ways, Jake loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new, interesting activities.

Jake passed away suddenly on December 22, 2016 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario. He is survived by his wife Johanna, his children Samantha, Jamie, Michelle, Vanessa and David and . his nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, nephews, niece, other relatives and many friends. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home.

All who knew him would agree that Jake enjoyed being able to contribute through his volunteer work in the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives.

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LAWSON, John, Oswald “Jake”

Passed away suddenly at Lakeridge Health – Oshawa on Thursday, December 22nd, 2016 at the age of 74. Beloved husband of Joan for 43 years. Loving father of Samantha (Alan), Jamie (Irma), Michelle (Andre), Vanessa (David) and David (Tarah). Devoted “Pop” of Bianca, Jenna-Lee, Adrian, Grace, Liam, James, Jack, Caitlin and Sterling. Dear brother of Patricia, Barbara and Beverley. Jake will be greatly missed by all family and friends. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West, (905-721-1234) on Friday, December 30th from 11:00 a.m. until time of Celebration of Life in the Chapel at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers donations to Toronto Welsh Male Voice choir would be appreciated. www.welshchoir.ca/support-our-choir