LAWSON, Douglas James - (October 14, 1942 – March 12, 2021)
It is with profound sadness and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Douglas James Lawson. Doug passed peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on March 12th, 2021, in his 79th year.
He was born on October 14th, 1942 in Peterborough and raised in the nearby village of Mount Pleasant.
Dearly beloved husband of Sandra (nee Hope) for fifty-six years.
Loving father of Jeffrey Lawson and his partner Julia Huang, Julie Lawson and her husband Iain Monaghan.
Cherished grandfather of Douglas and Keenan Monaghan.
Doug will be fondly remembered by his brothers Tom and Paul and his sister-in-law Linda Hope.
Doug was predeceased by his parents David and Norma (Jackson) Lawson and his twin brother David.
Doug attained the Chartered Accountant’s designation in 1969. He joined the Stedman Stores organization that year. This was the beginning of a long and successful career as a retail executive. In 1992, he was appointed CEO of F.W. Woolworth Co., one of the largest retail organizations in Canada at that time.
He concluded his retail career as joint owner and President of Willson Stationers in Calgary. Doug purchased Parker Design and moved back to Whitby for the last chapter of his working years.
Doug lived life to the fullest. His quick wit and generous spirit led to lasting friendships.
He enjoyed talking sports and politics and keeping up with the latest news. He loved the outdoors, taking up biking and hiking when he lived in Calgary. Standardbred horse racing was a passion. He was privileged to have been in the winner’s circle many times with his horses. Duplicate bridge challenged him both at local games and at tournaments in other parts of Canada and the U.S.
Doug was an avid sports fan from a very young age. His mother talked about how as a child he would get the local paper and spread out the sports section on the living room floor to read.
He looked forward to going to his son’s hockey games and became involved as a convener for the minor hockey league. Doug followed and loved to talk about the local Toronto teams with anyone but especially in the last few years with his grandsons.
Doug had the “travel bug." With his young family he travelled throughout Canada from Prince Edward Island to Vancouver Island as well as to many places in the U.S. Together with Sandra, they created memories to last a lifetime as they travelled to destinations near and far around the world.
Doug will be remembered for his devotion to his family and will forever remain in our hearts.
The Celebration of Life Service for Doug is scheduled to take place on Saturday March 20th 1:00 pm at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 101 Winchester Road E., in Brooklin.
Covid protocols will be strictly observed including social distancing, masks, a temperature check and sanitization.
Seating is in individual chairs. Although the Church seating area is large, due to current Covid restrictions, attendance is limited to 1/3 of capacity.
All guests planning to attend the memorial service must reserve a seat using the RSVP system on the Barnes Funeral Home website, on behalf of St. Thomas Anglican Church.
Those who require assistance using the RSVP system may contact the BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME by phone (905-655-3662) between the hours of 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m. (After hours assistance with this system is not available).
The love, prayers and support that have been extended to our family is very much appreciated.
Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com .
Thank you Sandra, Jeff & Julia, Julie & Iain and family.