John Thomas Lawton
October 25, 1957 to February 24, 2025
Obituary
To view the funeral service for the late John Lawton on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10am, please follow the link below:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Thomas Lawton, aged 67, on February 24th, 2025, after a short battle with brain cancer.
Predeceased by his parents, Ethel and Louis Lawton, John leaves to mourn his children Rosemary (Brian) and Keith (Becky), and his wife, Katie. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings Kenneth (Leah), Louis (Suzanne), Anna (Al), and David (Lisa) as well as his cherished nieces and nephews, Maria (Vanessa), Patrick (Joanne), Christopher (Jason), Michelle, Andrew (Kelly), Emily, Ben, Charlotte, Paddy, Mari, and his close circle of friends.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the nurses, doctors, custodians, and staff at the Miller Centre for their compassionate care over the past month.
As one of his coworkers beautifully said to us, John lived big in both the quietest and loudest of ways. Those who knew him, saw him as gentle, soft-spoken, and kind, with a wicked sense of humour. He was a proud teacher who was known for putting his students first and always focusing on building connections with the students who were struggling the most. He had a knack for reaching students that nobody else could and was known to be silly, fun, compassionate, and safe to all students and teachers that knew him.
John had a number of passions in his life including cycling and woodworking. He rode his bicycle everywhere, even across Wales and had just bought a new bike before his diagnosis. John had a love for woodworking and after retirement, he developed a new passion for boat building. He spent a number of summers volunteering every weekend at the Wooden Boat Museum in Winterton, and had just built a shed to build his own boat. After his diagnosis, John had decided to name his boat “Busy Livin” because that was what he was focused on doing. John spent every moment he could spending time with the people he loved and lived life to the fullest every day.
John is resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road with visitations on Thursday, February 27 from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, February 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 1 at 10am from the Carnell Memorial Chapel with interment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or the Wooden Boat Museum.
Schedule
Visitations
7-9 p.m. on February 27, 2025
2-4 p.m. on February 28, 2025
7-9 p.m. on February 28, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:00am, Saturday March 1st
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Interment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.
Dear Katie, Rosemary, Keith and the Lawton family,
I’m so sorry to hear John passed away. That was very unexpected to me. It’s been so long, the last time I saw him was so many years ago. I remember us driving to the Toronto Zoo together from Mississauga, which was a fairly long drive, while I sat in the back seat with Rosemary and Keith, who were kids at the time. To entertain them I told them if they’d step on a bump on the floor, the car would speed up. John kept the game alive by actually accelerating every time they did. He was fun to be around and I’m sorry not to get another chance to see him.
Stephen Webb
Dave and family – I am so sorry to hear this terrible news. He was a lovely man and great teacher. I’m sure he will be missed by all. Condolences to you all.
Katie,Keith and the Lawton family
Saddened by your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. I only met John briefly but I found him to be a great person…
Ram Borgaonkar
Our condolences to the Lawton famil.y (Katie, Rosemary and Keith). We first met your family while camping in Terra Nova National Park. Our kids played together as we socilaized with you, Katie andJohn. Though we lost touch over the years I did bump into John on occassion. The last time we met at a show at the LSPU hall in which Rosemary was performing. John reognized & approached me before the show started and we had a grand chat. He was a wonderful gentleman and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Rosemary, Dave and all the Lawton family, I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing.
We both taught ICF back in the early days and we occasionally got together to chat and share ideas. I was fortunate to connect with him again when I taught you, dear Rosemary. He was so proud of the incredible person you are.
John was a lovely gentleman. May your memories give you comfort and strength at this difficult time.
Kate, we were so sorry to hear that your dear husband John has passed. Although we did not know him well, we were impressed by his gentle nature.
Trusting you find some comfort in the love and memories in your hearts –
With love,
Marj and David
So sorry to hear of John’s passing I had the privilege of working with John at St . Andrew’s Elementary School. Thoughs and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time. R.I.P John.
I am so sorry to hear about your families loss. Mr. Lawton was my 6th grade teacher, and I never forgot him. His kindness and amazing teaching stayed with me for many years, as now I am in my third year of university with a minor in French. I’ll never forget how we would get peppermint nobs, or “bonbons” when we would get answered right in class. He was an amazing teacher and a wonderful person, and I am truly heartbroken to see this. Although it has probably been close to a decade since I seen Mr. Lawton, his beaming smile and long-lasting impression stayed with me and will stay with me for years to come.
Madison
Katie
I just heard about John’s passing, and I’m sending condolences to you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Heidi Janes
Katie
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. The world, and all of us will miss his kindness and laughter.
Katherine and David Rankine
David,
I’m sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Glen
John was among a circle of good friends I had in high school and university, after that I moved away and lost touch.
It was fortunate that just this last Christmas, we managed to reconnect as a group, and it was so nice to see John again.
My deepest condolences to his family on his passing.
Fond memories of a truly marvelous person.
So sorry for your loss, Katie. Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you, Rosemary and Keith on this sad and difficult day.
We are very saddened to learn of John’s passing. He was a fine man who we came to know through a shared music program with John and Katie’s children and our own. He was a great conversationalist and always had a smile on his face. May you find comfort in remembering that bright smile. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Katie and family,
I was very sad when I learned of John’s death. He was a fine gentle man who positively touched the lives of many people during his teaching career. I was fortunate to work with him during his years at Holy Family School. Hold your memories close. RIP John.
Mr. Lawton was my Gr 6 teacher at St. Andrew’s Elementary. I was a bit of a lost soul when I entered his class, but his calm and caring manner always made me feel welcomed and heard. Now I’m a teacher too and I try to make my classroom as warm and welcoming as his was. Thinking of you folks at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of John’s recent illness and untimely passing. I have fond memories of working with John during his teaching years at St. Andrew’s Elementary. He was very well liked and respected by staff and students. May you all find peace and comfort in your precious memories.
Sorry to hear that John passed away. I met John many years ago when we were both university students and I remember he was always pleasant and great to chat with.
You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Anna & Lawton families. Sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved brother John.
“Remember he is only gone from your sight not from your heart & all your cherished memories.”
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Barbara Dunphy
To Katie, Rosemary, Keith and the Lawton family.
Please know that our thoughts are with you.
John was a terrific man and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Please know we will remember John with great fondness.
Henry and Shannon
Katie,
My sincere condolences to you, Rosemary and Keith as you mourn the loss of John. He was a true gentleman and a dedicated teacher. I have very fond memories of my retirement party that you and John graciously hosted at your home in 2005. I hope the support of your family and friends will comfort you during the coming days.
John’s family,
We are very sorry to hear about John’s passing. Joe worked with John at the Aquarena and he taught our boys at Holy Family , he was a very nice man. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family .🙏
Joe and Colleen
Anna, Ken, Louis, David and all John’s family.
So very sad that you have lost your dear brother, John. I only remember John as a kid playing at the Lawton house.. I recall him as a sweet, gentle boy and from all the comments here, he stayed that way for his lifetime. Such a loss for his immediate family and all whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Lynn in Calgary
My sincere condolences to Katie, Rosemary,, Keith, and all of John’s family. I have many fond memories of teaching with John at St. Andrew’s Elementary.. He was so kind, gentle, and lots of fun too ! He will live on in our hearts forever.. Blessings. 🙏
Sandra Shepherd
I am so sorry to hear about John. He was such a sweet, gentle man, and I enjoyed our years teaching together. I’m sorry I cannot be there in person, but I am extending my deepest sympathy to you all across the miles.
I first met John when he was beginning his teaching career. He was an excellent teacher and well respected by his colleagues. Although I have not seen him in the past few years I considered him a friend. RIP.
Katie, Rosemary and Keith. Our sincerest condolences on the passing of a dear husband and father.. It
Has been a while since we have seen you all, but we remember John as someone who was always smiling and so friendly, as we would cross paths during the early school years. We are so sorry for your loss.
Heather Hickman and John Brattey
As a school Principal I had the opportunity to hire John on a regular basis as a substitute early on in his career.. We became friends and I was most pleased with his teaching and his career. I can still picture him in the Wooden Boat Museum with Jerome Canning. Boat building was a great passion of his and gave him great satisfaction.
He will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friends and family.
My condolences to Katie and the family.
Austin Hawley
So sorry four your loss Rosemary and family. Much too young to leave this world.
Dear Katie, Rosemary, and Keith,
Bill and I are traveling but I will certainly write in person when we get back to Georgia. I was so so sorry to hear of John’s passing.. Growing up he was a great and memorable cousin and ,reading the condolences online , clearly a fine and very much loved husband, father , brother and friend..
To Anna, Lou, Kenneth and David, I am thinking of you all and pray that all the memories you have bring their blessings to you.
Love,
Patty ( Lawton) Sealey
Katie,
I am so sorry to hear about John, a fine man gone too soon. My deepest sympathy to you, Rosemary, Keith and the rest of the family,
Mary Chalker
Katie and family .I was saddened to learn of John’s untimely passing. We taught side by side during my last few years prior to retirement at Holy Family. I always enjoyed our chats at the end of the day. Rest peacefully John.
Katie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Lou, Anna, Ken and David
I have not been in touch for a long time but my family notified me about John’s passing. I am so sorry to hear that news. Please accept my sincere condolences to all of you and to John’s family.
David Power
Midland, TX USA
So so sorry for your loss. I have known John my whole life and although I left Nfld in 1986 I have always thought of John as a close and cherished friend. I am better for haven known him. He will be missed.
Katie and all the family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. My condolences to all of you at this difficult time.
Carol (Puddister) Nicol, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
I remember John always having a warm smile and kind word to give his fellow staff members at Elizabeth Park Elementary! He was loved by all… teachers and students alike! I share deep condolences with family and friends as John will be greatly missed and fondly remembered! I pray for you, his family and friends, that you will all find comfort, strength, and peace in your cherished memories and in God’s great love for you all!
The Lawton Family
So so sorry to hear of John’s passing., he was always so positive about living life to its fullest. Sending our deepest condolences to Katie, Rosemary, Keith and entire family at this most difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Percy, Rachelle, Ben and Emily Delaney
The Lawton Family,
I was privileged to have Mr. Lawton as a teacher in grade 6 (2011-2012). I was in his class and he would always make learning French interesting, even for those who weren’t overly fond of it. I remember many days where my classmates and I would line up at the door before leaving school for the day and he would have us ask for a Peppermint Knob in French in order to get one. It was always something me and my classmates looked forward to and a great memory I have held onto since elementary school. He was a fantastic teacher and always encouraged us to do our best. Sending my condolences as you all face the difficult days ahead.
Brooklyn Pike
Katie,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thinking of you and the children at this sad time and the days ahead.
To Anna and all the Lawton family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace and may you all be comforted by your fond memories and each other.
Joan Kehoe
It is hard to find the words other than to express our deepest sympathy to all the Lawton family on the loss of John ,a lovely gentle soul. . Sincere condolences to Katie ,Rosemary and Keith as well as Ken ,Louis ,Anna , David and families.
Margaret Ann and Jim Beehan
Katie and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of John. We are thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Al & Karen Ballard
Very sorry to learn of John’s passing. My sincerest condolences to the whole family on your tremendous loss.
Our deepest sympathies to you Katie and your family.
Katie and family, I am so saddened to hear of your husdands passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Katie,
John’s kind and gentle nature (generously shared with family, friends and students) left a big mark on society. He was the best! May he rest in peace. My sympathies to you and your family.
I want you to know, Lou and Family Members, that you are very much in my thoughts at present. God bless! Jim
Our sincerest condolences Keith, Katie, & Rosemary. Rest In Peace John.
Katie and family,
My sincere condolences to you for your loss of John.
Wishing you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Heather
Rosemary, David and all. My heart goes out to all the Lawton family at this sad time.
Wishing you all peace and comfort at this sad time.
Katie, Rosemary and Keith – we send our love and best wishes at a sad time. Neena prayed for you and John every morning.
Condolences and love also to Ken, Louis, Anna and David.
I will see you in St John’s.
Billy
John was a fantastic colleague and educator. He made a difference in the lives of many and he will never be forgotten.
Sending thoughts and prayers to help you get through this difficult time.
I was fortunate to have worked with John at Elizabeth Park Elementary. He was a wonderful educator and a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
To the family of John – keep your memories of happier times ever present in your mind and heart and remember the impact John had on the lives of those he touched – may his gentle soul rest in peace.
Keith
Sorry to hear about you fathers passing l.
Take care and best regards
Katie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing.. He was such a pleasant, mild mannered man and a wonderful colleague. Take comfort in knowing that his presence so positively impacted all who knew him at Elizabeth Park Elementary; students, families and staff.
My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Elizabeth Churchill
Katie and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss and our sincerest condolences to you all. John had a great sense of humour . We remember fondly the time he spent with our family while studying at St..F. X. Our family has lost a good man
Ian and Anne MacDonald
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of John’s family. I, Susie worked with John at St. Andrew’s School and found him to be a fine Gentleman, he was one of a kind. May He Rest In Peace!! HUGS to you all!!
So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.John.
Katie, I just wanted to send my sympathies to you and your family. I’m sure it’s been a difficult and aching loss which I hope will ease with time.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May his memory be a blessing.
Dear, Mr Lawton
Thank you kindly for all your wisdom, patience, and teaching. Thanks to your efforts I am proud to say I am trilingual and live in Quebec. Vous êtes un professeur magnifique! I know this needs to be conjugated but your teachings live on in me and I always think of you when I speak in French.
Dear, Rosemary, and Lawton family,
I am sorry for this loss. Mr. Lawton was an exemplary educator, but I was fortunate to also know him as a father and friend outside of school. I wish you my condolences during this time.
Anna, Ken and The Lawton Family we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing loosing a sibling is very difficult. Our deepest sympathies to the Entire Family our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Katie, Rosemary and Keith…we are so saddened to learn John has passed away. He was one who became an instant friend when he met people. He will be missed by many who share the grief and sorrow you feel.
Condolences to the family of John he was a teacher at one of the schools that I worked 🙏
Anna, Al and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely sad time. Keep the great memories close to your heart.
Sincerely,
Brian and Colleen
Katie, Rosemary and Keith,
I am so sad to hear of your loss.
John was such a lovely man. His smile was electric. His life will flow through you forever and you will smile that smile often.
Dear Katie,
My deepest sympathy to you, Rosemary and Brian, Keith and Becky, along with John’s siblings, extended family members, former colleagues, fellow boatbuilding enthusiasts, and wide circle of friends. John was a kind and generous man, always willing to pitch in and lend a hand. He had a wonderful sense of humour. And did he ever love you and the children – plus quite a few dogs over the years. But I’ll remember how he absolutely adored my raisin scones! Whenever he did me a favour, I’d often “pay” him in scones – never too many raisins for John! I fondly recall the last time I saw him, sitting at the dining room table in your home, devouring a couple scones in very short order. It’s a sweet memory of a sweet friend. I know you have many of your own memories of John that I hope bring you some comfort during this difficult time and in the days ahead. Know that his loss is felt by many, and he will be missed by many.
~ Christine
To Katie and family
My deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss of John.. I remember you well, Katie, from so many years ago at the Health Sciences Library and our professional dealings beyond then. Best thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Sheehan
Victoria BC
Katie and family,
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Lawton family during this time of tremendous sorrow. John was a gifted teacher and a wonderful friend. He had the ability to find humour in the most difficult of situations. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have known him. I hope that you can find comfort in the sharing of your wonderful memories together.
Donna Howse We insor