- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday


WILLIAM GEORGE (BILL) LAWSON
Date of Passing: Sep 14, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM GEORGE (BILL) LAWSON
William George (Bill) Lawson was born on January 8, 1946 to Bob and Margaret Lawson in Carman Manitoba. Bill grew up at Maple Grove Farm northeast of Miami, Manitoba with his sister Donna, and brothers Ray and Doug.
Bill attended school in Miami for his elementary and high school years. From there, he attended United College to obtain a Bachelor of Science, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba. After graduating from University, he taught for six months in Miami and Minnedosa. In 1968 Bill was hired to teach Biology, Chemistry and Math at Souris School. He retired in 2001. He often shared two highlights of his teaching career - he taught all 12 kids in a local Souris family and, due to substitute teaching after retirement, there were times he taught students from three different generations.
While in Souris, he met and married Louise Neufeld. Together, they raised two children, Ryan and Jana. They celebrated 52 years of marriage in August, 2023.
Bill was very much part of the Souris community; conducting St. Paul’s United Church choir for 30 years, organizing school musicals for 15 years, serving on Town Council, and helping with Souris Cardinal baseball teams, Souris Elks and Southwest Cougars hockey teams. Beyond the Souris community, Bill was part of the Hockey Manitoba community, spending years as the Registrar for the Southwest region.
In his spare time, music was an interest of Bill’s. He was one of the founding members of the Westman Youth Choir. The first choir was organized in 1980 and has been a constant in the Westman region for 45 years. He was extremely happy to see Ryan and Gillian sing in the choir.
Bill also enjoyed gardening and all that came with it. From beautiful perennials in their flower beds, to his vegetable garden and indoor plants. Many family and friends enjoyed a jar of salsa or “Bill’s Dills” pickles prepared by him. He shared slips of his family Christmas cactus to anyone who showed an interest.
Bill was predeceased by Louise; his loving wife of 52 years in October 2023. Parents, Bob and Margaret Lawson, mother and father-in-law, Hilda and Abe Neufeld, brother-in-law Mac Draper and nephew Derek Smith.
Bill will be deeply missed by his children; son Ryan (Allison) daughter Jana, and four grandchildren; Gillian, Barrett, Jasper and Willa. Bill will also be missed by: his sister Donna (Tony) Smith, brothers; Ray (Gwen) Lawson, Doug (Signey) Lawson; sisters-in-law Betty Draper, Jeanne (Don) Lewis; brothers-in-law Bob (Alexis) Neufeld and Ed (Janice) Neufeld, Step mother-in-law Sadie Neufeld, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Funeral Service was held on Friday September 19th, 2025 at St. Paul’s United Church, with the Venerable Jonathan Hoskin officiating. St. Paul’s Choir sang an anthem (Thy Will be Done) with a solo by Grant Jackson.
The family would like to thank everyone at Cancer Care in Brandon, the nurses on the third floor at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Dr. Ahweng, but most importantly Dr. Cram and the nurses at the Souris Health Centre. Bill was so happy to go back home, and the care he received while in Souris was second to none.
Donations may be made to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation, Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0; or to the Westman Youth Choir, Box 1116 Virden, Manitoba R0M 2C0.

Publish Date: Oct 4, 2025
WILLIAM GEORGE (BILL) LAWSON
Bill, 79 years, beloved husband of the late Louise Lawson, father of Ryan (Allison) and Jana, grandpa of Gillian, Barrett, Jasper and Willa.
Bill passed away at the Souris Health Centre on September 14, 2025.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery Columbarium.
In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Souris Glenwood Foundation or to the Westman Youth Choir.

Publish Date: Sep 18, 2025
WILLIAM GEORGE (BILL) LAWSON
Bill, 79 years, beloved husband of the late Louise Lawson, father of Ryan (Allison) and Jana, grandpa of Gillian, Barrett, Jasper and Willa.
Bill passed away at the Souris Health Centre on September 14, 2025.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery Columbarium.
In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Souris Glenwood Foundation or to the Westman Youth Choir.

Publish Date: Sep 18, 2025
WILLIAM GEORGE (BILL) LAWSON
Bill, 79 years, beloved husband of the late Louise Lawson, father of Ryan (Allison) and Jana, grandpa of Gillian, Barrett, Jasper and Willa.
Bill passed away at the Souris Health Centre on September 14, 2025.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment in the Souris & Glenwood Cemetery Columbarium.
In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Souris Glenwood Foundation or to the Westman Youth Choir.

Publish Date: Sep 16, 2025
As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 16, 2025, Sep 18, 2025, Oct 04, 2025
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
-
Mr Lawson was one of my favourite teachers. Funny he wasn’t much older than me and I still have a hard time calling him Bill. He and I sang at a few weddings of my classmates and I always enjoyed spending time with him. He will be greatly missed and we will honour him at our upcoming high school reunion. Sincere condolences to his family Marnie (Margaret) Strath - Posted by: Marnie Strath (Student) on: Sep 26, 2025