Passed away peacefully November 30, 2019 in his 94th year. Beloved husband of the late Marie. Loving Father of Marilyn (Martin Doyle), Dave (Jan), and Carolyn (Jim Duffy). Cherished Grandpa of Moira, Cheryl, Kevin, Ryan, Adrian, and Craig. Adored G.G. (Great Grandpa) of Madison, Owen, Anthony, Matteo, Kayleigh, Kassidy, Sean, and Lunabelle. Brother of the late Marjorie Redman and Barbara McNabney.
Lawson was born in Toronto at the Riverdale Maternity Home, and apart from a brief stay in Calgary, he spent most of his life living in the same neighbourhood. He attended Wilkinson Public School, Danforth Tech, and Shaw Business College where he ultimately met the love of his life, Marie.
Growing up, he worked in a bakery on the Danforth delivering baked goods and even helping out with some baking. Baking bread was a passion of his which continued throughout his lifetime as he was often responsible for bringing fresh baked bread to family Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
Lawson served in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve from 1944 to 1946 on HMCS Burlington, York, Peregrine, and Stadacona and was discharged following service on the high seas.
While he was trained as an electrician, he ultimately followed in his father’s footsteps in insurance. While his children were growing up, he ran his own agency from home which allowed him to spend time with his family.
Lawson was a lover of nature and the outdoors. Throughout his life he was seen canoeing, camping, skating, swimming, cross country skiing, fishing, and even most recently, hiking as a member of the Toronto Seniors’ Hiking Club. He was also an avid bowler and a member of the Dondeliers Bowling League. He ensured his children learned how to swim and even built them a backyard ice rink. He enjoyed golf, especially when he scored a ‘hole in one’, and even passed this passion down to some of his grandchildren who he often took to the golf course. For years he enjoyed spending time with his family during a week long summer vacation at Pinelands where he could swim, canoe, fish, windsurf, and rent a motor boat.
He enjoyed collecting coins, dancing, music, and photography. He was active with Boy Scouts and often chauffeured Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Guides to camp and other excursions. He attended all his daughters’ dance recitals, his son’s music competitions, and he never missed his children’s high school band concerts. While he was not a religious man, he attended all Baptisms, First Communions, and Confirmations for his children and grand-children.
Lawson and Marie loved to travel. From summer vacations at Pinelands to winter getaways at Fern Lodge to anniversary celebrations in Las Vegas, they were always willing to go on an adventure together. One year they even took a trip from the start of Yonge Street at Lake Ontario all the way to the end in Rainy River.
Lawson lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prostate Cancer Canada or The Bruce Trail
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