William Lawson Dickson
January 13, 1949 to June 18, 2025
Obituary
William Lawson Dickson passed away peacefully and quietly in the early hours of June 18, 2025, after nearly three years of facing cancer and its treatment with courage and good humour.
Lawson leaves his wife, Maureen (Milley), daughter Karen, son Andrew, and grandchildren Benjamin and Ella. He also leaves brother David (Moira), nephews Euan, Ben, Neil, and their families in Scotland, as well as brother-in-law Robert Milley (Joan), niece Christa Stoldt, nephews Matthew and Shawn Milley, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Jean Dickson, and parents-in-law, Everett and Rita Milley.
Lawson was born and raised in Scotland. He was a geologist with the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador and was a member of the Professional Geoscientists and Engineers NL, the Geological Association of Canada, and a very active and honourary member of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He was also a volunteer with Scouts Canada, taking on many roles over 40 years. He was grateful for his friend and fellow Scouter, Bill Hickey, the rest of the “Beach Team”, and the broader group of Scouting friends. He greatly appreciated his former coworkers who maintained contact.
In memory of Lawson, donations may be made to the Cancer Care Foundation NL (Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation).
My condolences for the loss of Lawson. I cannot say it any better than Mr. Kerr did below. He was a brilliant light at every conference and added so much to the industry here. The sort of natural, social grace that people would spend empires trying to master..
Maureen, I am so sorry for your loss. May precious memories bring peace and comfort.
So very sorry to hear about Lawson’s passing. May his memory be a blessing to all the family and his friends.
Joan
Maureen and family, I send my deepest condolences on the passing of Lawson. Keep your happy memories close. Someone said to me that grief is just love with nowhere to go. So true.
Lori Cook
Dear Maureen,
So many years have passed since UNB dart days at The Annex… Lawson for me was a cross between a serious grad student and an excellent organizer of less serious events frequently involving “a” glass of beer…. Scott Swinden passed on the news to me (we are both in Wolfville). The geology world scattered us all about the globe but the formative years are never forgotten! Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Don Burton and Margaret (Svab from UNB)
To Maureen and family ,
With deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. I hope your memories will give you great comfort in the days ahead.
Maureen and family, please accept our condolences on Lawson’s passing. Lawson was many things to a wide variety of people, but to all he was ultimately a loyal and kind friend, gifted with a sincere smile, great sense of humour, and most pleasant personality. To the geology fraternity he was an exceptional colleague, mentor, and manager. He was a most adept manager of the annual CIM-MMR meetings and will be keenly missed at the closing “do”.
Maureen, karen,,Andrew and Family,
Thinking of you all at this sad time…
Cherish your memories.
Peggy and Bob Baker
To Maureen and family, Diana and I are deeply saddened for you all on Lawson’s passing. We hope that many good memories of shared times combined with the love of family and close friends with help you through this difficult time. I first met Lawson at MUN and again, with Diana, through CIM. For me, he was a colleague, mentor, kind and always a friend. May the rest of us meet life with his good humor, compassion and grace. Our prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Lawson’s passing. During my time at the Geological Survey Division, I had the privilege of working under his leadership. Lawson was an extraordinary individual—kind, compassionate, and genuinely dedicated to those around him. I remember him with great fondness, and his loss is truly a dimming of the world’s light. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
My sincere sympathy to Lawsons wife and family during this sad and difficult time.. I had the privilege of working for Lawson for a brief but pleasant period.. He was such a pleasant gentleman with a keen wit. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joan Szangulies
To Maureen and all of Lawson’s family and many friends. We were saddened to hear of his passing last week, and will miss him in so many ways. For me, Lawson was a colleague at the Geological Survey, exploring the wilds of the province, and eventually he became everyone’s boss as the Director. We all know that the job in question had its challenges, but Lawson navigated them all, stayed on good terms with all, and kept the ship on a steady course.. His understated but rather dry Scottish wit was well-known, and he was a skilled judge of character, with the ability to encourage others to do their very best. There were many things he could claim credit for, including important contributions to our knowledge, but I think he preferred to assist and mentor other,s. Over the years he did much for the Geological Association and the Canadian Institute of Mining. At conferences and events he was always made time to engage with spouses and companions who didn’t speak the language of rocks and ensured that they had a fine time. My wife Vi fondly remembers his kindness when I disappeared from a conference in Dublin to attend a family funeral. There is much more that all of us could say about this fine and generous man. Rest in Peace, Lawson, and be assured that you made a real difference to all of us.
Andy and Vi Kerr, St. John’s
Maureen,Karen and family.
Sorry to hear of your Husband/Father’s passing. Our thoughts ,prayers and love are with you all.. Hugs
It is with a heavy heart that I express sincere condolences on behalf of myself and Michelle to Maureen and the family on Lawson’s passing. Lawson’s legacy is wide and varied, having been involved in many groups and organizations over the years, but I knew him from his time at the Geological Survey where he made a lasting impact on our understanding of the geology of the province. He will certainly been missed by all those who had the privilege to have known him. Rest in peace, Lawson.
Our sincere condolences to Lawson’s family and friends. I had the pleasure to interact with Lawson during the annual MRR Convention over the years and he never failed to bring a smile to the room. On behalf of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, we would like to express our gratitude for his commitment to CIM and our industry.
To Lawsons Family. . Sincere condolences, I did not work with him . But my 37 years with the Department I had many conversations over the years, He was such a a gentleman and funny. I always enjoyed talking to him, I am privileged to have known him. May he be at peace. What a wonderful, unassuming man.. Sincerely Joanne.
Dearest Maureen and family. Ed and I are so sorry for the loss of Lawson. he was a dear sweet man. sending love from KIncardine, On ed and Loretta SMith
To the Dickson Family
So many fond memories of Lawson both in the field and at conferences, He always put a smile on my face and made me feel at home like so many other geologists he encountered in his career. A solid individual, a mentor to many, and a loss for us all. My deep felt condolences.
Dear Maureen and family
I remember when yourself and Lawson moved onto Doyle street and we were fortunate to be neighbours for many years. How the time has passed. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
So sorry to hear of Lawson’s passing. He was a devoted volunteer and showed a great passion for the development of youth and adults in many fields, including the Scouting Movement.
He was keen to serve at local, Provincial and National levels in Scouting to enrich the lives of those he strived to provide meaningful leadership and outdoor opportunities.
To Maureen and his family, my sincere condolences. He truly made a difference.
Maureen and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Lawson’s passing.
We have known Lawson since our days at MUN and were colleagues at the Geological Survey for many years.
Lawson contributed greatly to the survey, and to the local branch of the CIM. He will be long remembered for this, his sense of humour and friendship.
He will be missed.
Our sincere condolences.
Maureen and family. I have wonderful memories of Lawson through the Scouting movement..we are so very sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences.. He will be missed.
Maureen, Andrew & Karen, we are deeply saddened by Lawson’s passing. We have enjoyed a long friendship of 50 years, going back to UNB Fredericton, days.. We were also colleagues at the Provincial Geological Survey. Lawson had a good dry Scottish sense of humour. We met fairly recently and chatted about old times. We shall miss him deeply and send our sincerest condolences to you all.
Maureen and family,
So sorry to learn that Lawson had passed away. He was a wonderful person to know and a great asset to the Geological Survey. The results of his work there and his many other endeavors will live on. It was our good fortune to have him.
Our sincere condolences,
John & Roxanne Fleming
Maureen and family,
My sincere condolences to you all. I worked for many years at the Geological Survey and remember Lawson’s pleasant personality and great sense of humour. May he Rest in Peace.
Maureen & family, Sorry to hear of Lawson’s passing. Curled with him for 4 or 5 yrs. Good times. Please accept my condolences. Godspeed Lawson.
Roy Butler
Maureen and family,
I was saddened to hear about Lawsons passing. He was a true gentle man and his wonderful sense of humour and big smile were his trademarks. He’ll be truly missed at the November gatherings.
Thinking of you at this sad time. Xo
Maureen and family/, we send sincere condolences on the passing of Lawson. May you cherish your wonderful memories .
Beverley and Bill Radford
Maureen and family – Very sorry to hear of Lawson’s passing. He was a great friend during my time at the Survey, and I spent many hours in conversation with him. Please accept my sincere condolences at this time. RIP Lawson. – Jim Butler
Karen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time. 🤍
Maureen, we are so very sorry for Lawson’s passing. He was such a wonderful man, such funny humour, and could give it as well as he could take it. We are honoured to have known him for so long. Thinking of you at this sad time and wishing you comfort.
Tony and Elizabeth Burgess
Karen and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Love,
Jane
Maureen and family:
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Lawson. We knew Lawson through the Scouting community. He was known for his knowledge, national and local contributions to the movement, camp fire wit and one who was always there to help. In any capacity. Lawson will be greatly missed.. Gone Home.
Charles and Andrea
Maureen and family, sincere condolences on Lawson’s passing. So sorry for your loss. He was an Awesome Scouter and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed. Gone Home to soon. RIP my friend.
To The Dickson Family .Deepest condolences on the passingbof your Husband and father Kawsonnwas very instrumental in keep me involved in Scouting when I was going through some rough patches.Will never forget his sense of humor .His dedication to Scouting and making sure that those who dserved to be recognized for thier contributes to Scouting .Rest easy my Scouting Friend Gone Home to blaze new trails.
To the family of Lawson, my deepest sympathy
We at the 4th Grand Falls Scouting family are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lawson Dickson, a dedicated Scouter whose commitment to Scouting spanned over 40 remarkable years.
Lawson was more than a leader — he was a mentor, a teacher, and a friend to countless Scouter. His passion for training and developing leaders left an indelible mark on the Scouting movement. Through his guidance and unwavering belief in the power of youth, Lawson helped shape generations of Scouters who continue to pass on the values and spirit of Scouting.
His legacy will live on around countless campfires, in the lessons he taught, and in the hearts of those he inspired. We thank him for his service, his leadership, and the lasting impact he made on our Scouting community.
Rest well, Scouter Lawson. Your good turn will never be forgotten.
Scouter Gerry Gardner
Co-Group Commissioner
4th Grand Falls Scouting Group
Maureen and family, my sincere condolences on Lawdon’s passing.. I am so sorry for your loss. He was an awesome Scouter and will be greatly missed in the Scouting community. “Gone Home” much too soon. RIP, my friend.
Hi Maureen
Pleasure seeing you a few days ago and sorry to learn of the loss of your dear husband.. may the memories overpower the grief
Best to you and your family
Chris and Margaret O’Dea