Obituary of David Malcolm Lawson

David Malcolm (Mac) Lawson of Saint John, husband of the late Dorothy (McCullum) Lawson, passed away peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 24, 2009. Born at Saint John on January 1, 1915, he was a son of the late David Melbourne and Elsie Jane (Evans) Lawson. Mac was a graduate of Saint John Vocational School., and his first job was at his father’s dairy, Maple Leaf Dairies. Mac then began a career in business, and became a well known Saint John businessman, being involved in the operation of Lawson Motors for more than 50 years, D & J Chevrolet, Maple Leaf Motors, Brittain Investments, Lawson Estates, and Lakewood Farm. He was one of the founders of Exhibition Park Raceway, and received a Life Time Achievement Award from the EPR and the Saint John Harness Racing Association for his contribution to harness racing in Saint John. Mac’s community involvement centered around the YMCA and the Y’s Mens Club, of which he was a member for most of his life. He and Dorothy were also involved with meals on wheels and several other charitable causes in Saint John, and he was a member of the Church of St. Andrew and St. David, as well as being an avid sports fan. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mac is survived by his son, John G. Lawson (Sandra) of Rothesay; a daughter-in-law, Lynn Lawson of Halifax; grandchildren Jonathan, Chelsea, Jillian, Mark, and Brent; and by several nieces and nephews. Mac was predeceased by his wife of 61 years on December 5, 2008; a son, David on September 13, 1989; and by brothers Roy and Gordon Lawson, and sisters Maude Lawson, Beryl Trent, and Doris Crawford. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 AM from Brenan’s Chapel. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Animal Rescue League, the Salvation Army, or any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.