John Barker LAWSON

1926 - 2021

JOHN BARKER LAWSON June 18, 1926 - October 12, 2021 After a full life devoted to his profession of the law, music, the arts, travel, philanthropy, family and friends; John Lawson passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 with his family at his side. Predeceased by his brother Hugh 'Roddy' (2018) and survived by (for one week) his sister Ann Hughson, John leaves nieces and nephews; Andrea Lawson (Martin), Hugh Hughson (Willee), Brenda Macdonell (Ian), Gail Dobell (Colin) and Graeme Hughson (Sarah), his great-nieces and great-nephews, Phoebe Lawson, Mathew, Katlyn and Hannah Hughson, Claire and Ross Macdonell and Reid Dobell. He is also survived by his great-great-nephew Carter Hughson, cousin Robert Lawson and niece Gale Galloway. John's education, work, and volunteer activities in cultural organizations were numerous. After graduating from Upper Canada College and Trinity College, University of Toronto, John went to Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the Bar of Ontario, 1951; Created Queen's Counsel, 1965; Honorary LLD. University of Toronto, 2003; Honorary D.S.Litt., Trinity College, University of Toronto, 2008, Partner, McCarthy Tetrault, Barristers & Solicitors, 1951-1995; Associate Counsel, McCarthy Tetrault, 1995-2018; Past President and Chairman, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, Past President and Chairman, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, former member of the Choir; Past President, Sir Ernst MacMillan Memorial Foundation; one of the three Founding Directors of the Glenn Gould Foundation, The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Toronto Summer Music Academy; former Director, The Ontario Arts Foundation, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Aldeburgh Connection Concert Society, International Choral Festivals; longtime involvement with University of Toronto and Trinity College; life member, Arts and Letters Club; member, Toronto Club and University Club. John was awarded the Order of Canada in 2014 for his 'transformative contributions as a volunteer in support of many of Toronto's most important music ensembles and arts organizations'. John had a zeal for travel and adventure. Some of his more recent trips included trekking in Mongolia and white water rafting down the Nahanni at age 80. Hiking, biking, cross country skiing, swimming, sailing, and canoeing were standard weekend fitness practices whether in Toronto, Collingwood or his beloved Georgian Bay. John's love and support for his family was unparalleled. A visitation for John will be held at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) from 2 - 4 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2021. Due to COVID restrictions, there are strict attendance numbers in place. Please contact Humphrey Funeral Home (416)487-4523 to schedule a time within the visitation. An in-person service for family will be held Saturday, November 27. Others are invited to attend via live-streaming accessed through www.stthomas.on.ca In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the charity of your choice in John's name. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.