Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004
Following in Lawson family footsteps
BILL BRADY
For the London Free Press
Driving though the gates on Wonderland Road on a rainy morning
in May, I looked up at the stately castle-like home now
more than a century old, and pondered its fate. The weather
reflected the mood, for we were on our way to say goodbye
to a remarkable Londoner.
Woodholme had been home to Ray Lawson, once lieutenant-governor
of Ontario, then Canadian consul general in New York.
Most recently, Lawson's son, the late Col. Tom Lawson, and
wife Miggsie, two of London's most generous philanthropists,
lived in the historic, sprawling, 10,000-square-foot house.
Now the wrecker's ball looms, and unless a white knight
rescues the castle, Woodholme will join the list of stately
London homes that have met the same fate.
In May, we said goodbye to Miggsie. In The Free Press at
the time of her death, Randy Richmond wrote, "She dearly
cared for the community and she dearly cared about everyone."
Another writer put it this way: "Small in size but
giant in heart, Lawson kept thousands of lives in London
humming along with acts of kindness that ranged from cheques
for millions of dollars to little notes of encouragement
when needed most."
Clearly she passed on to her children her passion for giving
and the obligation to tackle worthwhile tasks to help others.
The Lawsons are a far-flung family numbering six, and living
in the same number of places. Connie and her physician husband
are in Kingston, her sister Joan and her spouse, a retired
judge, are Torontonians, while the other daughter, Marilyn,
once a Grand Bend restaurateur, now leads the idyllic life
on B.C.'s
Saltspring Island. Tom, involved in aviation, is the only
remaining Londoner, while both his brothers are in the West.
Peter spends part of the winter at the golf course he owns
in Arizona. Tim is a prominent musician in Langley B.C.
The possessor of a keen and inquiring intellect, Tim, a
well-travelled troubadour, is also an eloquent teller of
the stories of others. This ability has helped earn him
a devoted audience in Canada and Europe. And he makes sure
his music and books work for the benefit of others.
Following his parents' example, Tim knew he wanted to do
something to help in the fight to combat a major health
crisis. While visiting family on Saltspring Island, he met
Stephen Lewis, Canadian humanitarian and the UN special
envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Tim was deeply affected by the passion Lewis displayed when
he spoke: "When people are dying by the thousands every
day, unnecessarily, when we've had this horrendous pandemic
unfold for two decades while the world stands by . . . you'll
do anything in your power to move the process.
"I don't care what it takes. All I know is that every
time I go to Africa, I am shaken to my core."
That's when Lawson knew he had to do something. His new
CD, So Many Stories, went on sale across Canada, from Victoria
to St. John's. The Tim Lawson Band has became involved in
a non-profit campaign to help battle HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Proceeds from the CD will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Lawson's organization has seen more than 3,700 Canadian
retailers open their hearts and participate by prominently
displaying and selling the new CD. More and more retailers
are joining the drive as art and commerce work together
to raise awareness and funds. Five dollars from the sale
of each CD is being donated and more than $10,000 has been
raised.
Lewis was enthusiastic in his gratitude for his efforts,
but Tim wants no recognition for doing what he feels has
to be done. "I am honoured to help play a small part
in helping him succeed, mainly by being a catalyst in bringing
our team focus to his efforts."
I know that Miggsie and Tom Lawson would have even more
cause to be proud of their family members who continue to
follow their example of giving and serving others.
Bill Brady is secretary of the Blackburn Group Inc. His
column appears Thursdays.
© Copyright 2004 London Free Press
