It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Gordon John Lawson at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on February 17, 2001. Gord was born in Brandon January 8, 1933 to parents Dave and Susan Lawson, being the third youngest of a family of eleven children. He attended McLaren and Earl Haig Schools and as a youngster he had a fierce passion for hockey. He started working part time at Manco Dairies at a very young age, making revels, then buttermaker for several years and finally to the milk department as foreman. At retirement he had accomplished 43 years service and made many long lasting friendships through his work. Gord married his wife, Lorraine (nee Storey) in 1953 and raised four wonderful children. His love for hockey paid off when he was chosen to play for the Brandon Wheat Kings. He had higher hopes after being chosen to go to the Detroit camp and got to rub shoulders and luncheon with NHL Greats. Gordie Howe called him kid. On returning home he was injured in a Wheat King game and lost the sight of one eye, which ended his career, but his team won the 1954-1955 Western Canada Championship that year. The loss of his two infant sons and his hockey career were his only regrets in life. He took up coaching Little League Ball when his youngest son, Calvin, started to play and did that for about seven years, in which he took great pride. Gordon was a strong willed person with a deep seated love for his wife and family, that was expressed more in action than by words, and he could always make someone laugh, no matter how bad the situation. He was also an excellent provider for his family, with endless patience for his wife of 48 years, during her illness, driving her to and from appointments, sometimes waiting for hours. Gordon is survived by his wife, Lorraine, daughter, Debra (Ray) McAuley, sons, Randy (Darla), Dave (Lorraine) and Calvin (Cathy), grandchildren, Blaine McAuley, James, Marlayna, Sherena and Jarod, Corey and Kyle, Robin, Steven and Benjamin Lawson and great grandchild, Harley Lawson. Also surviving are three brothers, Adam (Frances), Ken (Jessie) and Glen (Eileen), six sisters, Nora (Roy) McKenzie, May Watson, Beth Rowley, Violet Lawson, Bea (Murdoch) Macintosh, and Irene (Bill) Robbins, brother-in-law, Ed (Helen) Storey, sisters-in-law, Elaine (Barry) Town and Gail Storey, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gordon was predeceased by his mother, Susan, father, Dave, sister, Janet, two infant sons, four brothers-in-law, Bill Watson, Bob Rowley, Bob Donda and Gary Storey, father-in-law Mel Storey and mother-in-law Adaline Storey. The Memorial Service for Gordon was held at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 10:00 a.m., with Mona Franklin officiating and son, Randy delivering the eulogy for his dad. Organist was Doreen Stapleton. Pallbearers were Frank Skuce, Bob Wesley, Glen Lawson, Lenny Starkell, Gary Stapleton and Fred Warburton. Interment took place at the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Gordon may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 203 ~ 42 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B2. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Heart & Stroke Foundation