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JOHN H. LAWLER Obituary pic

JOHN H. LAWLER

Born: Jul 22, 1952

Date of Passing: Nov 28, 2005

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JOHN H. LAWLER It is with deep sadness that the family of John Lawler announce his sudden passing on November 28, 2005. John will be greatly missed by his father Herb, brother David (June) and nephews John and Andrew, sisters Ann (Fred Vatnsdal), Elizabeth (Robert) and nephews Fraser, Gordon and Robbie Bruce, and Jane (Jamie) and nephew Riley Black. John was predeceased by his mother Betty in October 2004. John was born in Winnipeg on July 22, 1952. He had a happy childhood in London, Ontario, a wonderful high school year spent in Sweden and countless summers at Heming Lake in Northern Manitoba. Before embarking on his teaching career, John worked for many years with CP Rail as a crane operator on the steel gang. John was a born teacher. He came to the profession later in life and embraced it with an incredible passion. John was the head of the English Department at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute in Winnipeg. John's own accomplishments were many (Gold medalist at the University of Winnipeg, near completion of a Masters in English), but he preferred to focus on those of his students. He always said that he learned as much from his students as they did from him. John put his heart and soul into his work and was involved in every aspect of school life - photographer, fundraiser, archivist, grad organizer, year book advisor, cricket coach, dance chaperone and sports team supporter. In the words of a former student he was the school's biggest fan . John somehow managed to find time beyond school for his many and varied interests. He had a lifelong interest in books (John even outfitted his CP rail car with books to share with his coworkers), antiques, cooking, art and history, cars, the railway and finance, to name just a few. Flowers are gratefully declined. In honour of John's memory and to benefit those students he loved so much, donations may be made to the Alumni, Athletic, Cultural and Education Fund Inc., in care of Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute, 720 Alverstone St., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 2H1. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in the Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2005

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • He was a great teacher. One of my favourites! I will forever miss you Mr. Lawler! - Posted by: Lys (Student) on: Mar 03, 2025

  • I first met John in 1977 and worked with him on the CP Rail Steel Gang for 4 years in the summer while going to U of M. He was certainly our most scholarly of co-workers with a passion for reading. He enjoyed all the comradery of the group, possibly to the exclusion of moving on into a real career. I ran into John and a lot of our old gang in Moose Jaw while I was at the 2CFFTS (military jet training school). The Steel Gang just happened to be in town doing some work as I drove by the main tracks. It was good to see them, but it was the last time for me. I am glad he found his calling in education and that he was appreciated so much by his students and peers. RIP John. - Posted by: Frank Berg (Long lost friend) on: May 14, 2021

  • Through his passion for teaching Mr. Lawler touched the hearts of many, both students and teachers alike. He not only taught the fundamentals of curriculum but also the real life functionality. He was able to connect with students individually and realize their potential, gently setting them on their pathways of life. For that we are deeply grateful. You will be missed. - Posted by: Lani (Sander) Brannum '98 & Andrew Sander '01 (Friend) on: Dec 05, 2005

  • I am very sorry for the loss of Mr. Lawler. He was a great teacher and I know he was a great husband, uncle, friend and more. I know he will be remembered lots by everyone. I miss him lots. I lost my dad 3 years ago when I was 16. - Posted by: Jenna Schwark (Student) (Acquaintance) on: Dec 02, 2005

  • We can hear John's voice so vividly, telling us his hilarious yarns and antidotes. John could appreciate the worldliness of the world, while trying to rectify its wrongs in a deceptively casual and unassuming way. We missed him when we moved from Winnipeg to Toronto, and will always miss him now. - Posted by: Elizabeth Legge and George Meanwell (Friend) on: Dec 02, 2005

  • Mr. Lawler, I wish I could have talked to you one last time or even shared a joke or two. I always remembered you as the happiest teacher in the school, because you always had a smile on your face every single time that I saw you. You were a great teacher who loved to teach for the students and treated everyone as a friend. Rest in Peace Mr. Lawler... - Posted by: edwin yue (Acquaintance) on: Dec 02, 2005

  • Mr. Lawler was such a quirky and eclectic man, so full of knowledge. There was always something to learn from Mr. Lawler. You would never walk away from a conversation with him without feeling that you had just learned something that you should remember for later. I think what I appreciated most about Mr. Lawler is the amount of faith he had in each and every one of his students. And maybe even with his early death he taught us a lesson too...life is short, tell someone when you appreciate them because soon it might be too late....THANKS MR. LAWLER, miss you. - Posted by: Marisa Backé (Friend) on: Dec 01, 2005

  • Mr. Lawler was a great teacher. He believed in me when I wasn't believing in myself. He helped me with my post secondary education options and that is part of the reason I am who I am today. If I didn't experience college I could have been a totally different person. I am saddened for the loss of Mr. Lawler. He will be deeply missed but never forgotton. My condolences go out to his family and friends. - Posted by: Chantelle Camara (class of 2003) (Acquaintance) on: Dec 01, 2005

  • Mr.Lawler was the most wonderful teacher. He was very supportive and a great role model to all his students. He has been there for me when I was in high school and university. I will never forget the help he has given me. In the summer he helped in my summer course in university, and he would always be there if I needed help with my school work. I will never forget you Mr.Lawler and you will always be remembered in my thoughts and my heart! I will miss you and I thank you for being my role model. - Posted by: Melissa Dao (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2005

  • Mr. Lawler was one of the best teachers that I've ever crossed paths with. As I am filling my relationship with him in this tribute, I realized that he was first and foremost a FRIEND to his students. He established a relationship with us like no other. During my years under his wing(98-2000), I received the purest encouragement and support from him that I have not found anywhere else. I am glad that I was able to experience some years with him and am saddened by this loss. He will always be the teacher that changed lives. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Laarni Paras (Friend) on: Nov 30, 2005

  • Mr. Lawler was a greatly respected man and teacher. He was a very special person in that his students could come to him and he would have his arms wide open. He would go way beyond his job responsibilities and always made his students feel welcome, and provided encouragement for them. He was not only just a teacher, he was almost like a father figure and a friend. He was one of my favorite teachers and my English mentor. He will be missed and always remembered by many. Again, my condolences. Nicole Bernardo (Class of 2003) - Posted by: Nicole Bernardo (Acquaintance) on: Nov 30, 2005

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