Frederick Elvin Lawson passed away on November 13, 2004, at Valleyhaven Guest Home in Chilliwack, British Columbia, at the age of 80 years. He was born February 11, 1924, in Haliburton County, Ontario, to James and Bertha Lawson.
Fred is survived by his son Robert, daughters Linda and Jane, grandchildren Stephen, Geoffrey, Carrie, Adam, Andrew, and great-grandson James.
He was predeceased by his wife Jean and daughter Deborah.
Fred began his career military service by joining the Canadian Navy in 1943, serving on a frigate protecting the supply convoys to Britain and Russia. After the war, he returned to his home town of Peterborough, Ontario, and became a journeyman plumber, steamfitter and gasfitter. When the RCAF began a recruiting drive in 1951, Fred joined the Air Force to participate in the building and maintenance of NORAD radar and air bases across Canada. He pursued this career until 1977, when he retired from National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. Upon retirement, he moved to Langley, B.C. with his wife Jean and lived in quiet enjoyment until Jean was stricken with Alzheimer's and passed away in 1995. His great loss was eased by his close friend Phyllis, who brought much love and comfort to him and who also looked after him devotedly when his own health began to fail in the late nineties.
Fred was well known as a very kind man, a loving and faithful husband and father, and an excellent and meticulous workman. A man with integrity. We will all miss you greatly, Fred. We salute you. May you rest in peace.
A memorial service will be held in April, 2005, to commemorate his life and his distinquished Royal Canadian Air Force career in the service of his country. The date for the memorial service is yet to be decided and will be announced when known.
Memorial Donations may be directed to the ''Fred Lawson Memorial Fund" at: Valleyhaven Guest Home, 45450 Menholm Road, Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 1M2. Telephone 604-792-0037. Funds will be used for resident comforts and assistive equipment.