Douglas LAWSON

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LAWSON: Douglas Cunningham. It is with deep sadness we announce that Doug passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday January 30, 2014 at the age of 97 years. Doug is survived by his wife Wilma, his children Robert (Gail) Lawson, Judy (Terry) Finch, Gordon (Phyllis) Lawson, Marilyn Lawson- Walorny; twelve grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Cora, brothers Cecil and Glenn Lawson and his sister Adel Shaw. Doug leaves behind many special nieces and nephews and extended family. Doug was born November 22, 1916 in Hayfield Manitoba. In 1934, Doug and his father Frank joined forces and started Frank Lawson and Sons on Pacific Ave. Doug’s brothers Cecil and Glenn also joined the company and growth was such that a relocation was necessary and in the early ‘40s established their headquarters on the corner of Ninth and McTavish. Frank Lawson and Sons was the Oliver implements dealer and also added a number of short lines manufactured by local and regional firms. During the advent of rural electrification they were the outlet for Windcharger, a system which used a windmill to generate electricity and Doug wired over 100 farm homes in the Brandon district. Doug has been involved with several different business ventures since his start in 1934 and after 42 successful years retired from the farm implement business. After his retirement in 1976 he maintained an interest in Westman Tire until 1995. Doug was elected to the board of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba which began a relationship lasting over 40 years, including incumbency in virtually every aspect of the administrative work, from the various committees to the presidency. Doug became involved and a strong supporter in the campaign to replace the Wheat City Arena with the Keystone Centre and served as chairman of the Keystone Building Committee. After the Keystone Centre was completed, Doug served as the first president of the Board of Directors (1971/72). His work on the Board continued for more than 20 years. Throughout his 61 years as an active Brandon investor and employer Doug was always innovative in his approach and excited about the growth, development and future of Brandon. Doug was full of life with a contagious smile and he will be greatly missed by family, friends and those that knew him. Our family wishes to extend thanks to the caring staff at the Brandon Regional Health Center for their kindness and support. In compliance with Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service, a private family gathering will be held at the Brandon Cemetery Columbarium. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation, Unit 2 – 37 11th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4J2 (www.westmandreamsforkids.ca) or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 01, 2014