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William LAWLOR Obituary
Surrounded by his loving family, Dr. William (Bill) Lawlor passed away on February 15, 2016 in Montreal. Devoted husband to Jeannine (nee Bourassa) for over fifty years, father to Greg (Ruth), Adrienne (Peter), Krista (Stephen) and Dana (Simon) and "Dio" to his beautiful grandchildren Jamie, Maya, Liam, Hannah, Josh, Michael, Alex and Elliott. He is survived by his sister Joan, sister-in-law June and his close cousin Lil (Bob Graham), predeceased by his brother John, brother-in- law Donald Cox, parents Ida (Lematy) and John H. Lawlor of Verdun. A lifelong educator and learner, professor at McGill University for over 25 years, fan of Broadway musicals and the NY Rangers, Bill was also a lover of profound questions of the heart and meaningful relationships; he was a dear friend and mentor to many. We will always carry Bill's gentle compassion and kindness in our hearts. A celebration of life will take place at St. Willibrord's Church (351 Willibrord Ave, Verdun) on Friday, February 26, 11:00 a.m.; reception to follow. Visitation at Kane Fetterly funeral services (5301 Decarie) on Thursday, February 25 from 2 - 4 p.m., 7 - 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider L'Arche Canada Foundation (larche.ca); Condolences may be sent to kanefetterly.com. Our thanks to all those who enriched Bill's life through their care, friendship and love.
"You would want us to find you in presence/ Beside us when beauty brightens/When kindness glows/And music echoes eternal tones" -J.O'Donohue.
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41 Entries
Barry Blouin
November 24, 2023
This a belated sympathy for your loss. My name is Barry Blouin. Your dad coached me in pewee hockey for the peewee Canadians. In the photo I am second from the right in the front row. Your dad was the best coach I ever had in hockey and things taught to me by him stood well for me. As a young man I got a try out with the Boston Bruins. The thing that really stands out is his kindness and ability to understand all the boys he coached and was able to give them belief in themselves and get the best from every player. He was an outstanding person. I´m only replying now as I live in Vancouver and met with a friend of mine and we were talking hockey and told him about your dad as the best coach I ever had. This friend of mine was also a young man I went to the Boston camp with. I´m in Montreal visiting my kids and thought I would go on the web to see if I could find Bill Lawlor and here i am. Again my sympathies.
Ron Morris
February 17, 2019
On the weekend Madeleine and I talked about how often we continue to quote Bill. My favorite quote is how he would say: The world would be a much better place if only everyone was perfect like us. Whenever Madeleine faces an attitude or a behavior she sees as illogical, she thinks of Bill who liked to say: You know the problem is rarely logical, but almost always psycho-logical.
As I watch my mom slowly and progressively lose her battle with Parkinsons, I think of just how painful Bills end of life must have been, for both Bill and his family.
I hope I will always remember how blessed I am to have known Bill Lawlor and Martin Jeffrey. Their mentorship, friendship and generosity graced my life in countless ways.
Chris Latreille
September 18, 2016
I worked at McGill for about a decade and met with Professor Lawlor many times over the years. I remember him as being one of the kindest people I've ever met. I've thought of him often over the years. Being remembered for your kindness is a great legacy to leave.
My condolences to his family.
Ratna Ghosh
February 27, 2016
Dear Jeanine and family,
It is very sad for me to write about Bill on his passing. He was a great colleague, a wonderful human being and someone who inspired me from the time I joined McGill. His sense of humour and his integrity as a leader made the Department of Culture and Values a wonderful place to work. I missed him when he retired and I still miss his wisdom and warmth. May his soul rest in peace. Deepest condolences.
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Melissa Williams
February 26, 2016
Mrs Lawlor,
My father Peter always spoke so kindly of Bill and shared with us the many memories and good times they had together. I am so sorry he is no longer with you and imagine how difficult this will be on all of you, as he was so loved. I hope Peter and Bill are together now reminiscing over a cocktail. You are in my thoughts and prayers and what a beautifully written obituary. Melissa Williams
February 26, 2016
Dear Jeannine and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I am so happy that we had some time to spend together while in Ottawa.....time together
that brought us memories of years past.
Prayers and thoughts are with you,
Love , Joan Williams
February 26, 2016
Hello Jeanine:
What a sad occasion to be back in touch. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely
Susan de Courcy
Mark Yaffe
February 25, 2016
Dear Jeannine, Krista, and family,
I was saddened to read of the passing of Bill. I knew him most by his fine professional reputation and by a few brief moments passing in corridors in which to exchange a few words -- and sometimes those words were to say how much I appreciated having Jeannine at St. Mary's, or how much I enjoyed having Krista in our residency program, and then, watching her career blossom. There is no question as to how proud he was of his family, and I can appreciate how difficult this loss is for you. My sincere condolences.
Joan-Marie Lawlor
February 25, 2016
Dear Auntie Jeannine, Greg, Ad, Krista, Dana, and families,
My sincere condolences for your loss. I have many fond memories of dear Uncle Bill. One I am sure that I share with many others were his warm greetings-- when asked how he was doing he would reply "all the better for seeing you" followed by the most genuine of hugs. He will be missed.
Lots of love,
J-M and family
Dr, Arvind. Joshi
February 25, 2016
My sympathies to the Lawlor family.Hope you are doing OK,Jeannine.May he rest in peace.
February 25, 2016
Dear Jeannine, Though we have not been in touch for the past few years, I was very saddened to learn of Bill's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in my thought. Angella Lambrou, McGill Medical Library
Catherine McMurdo
February 24, 2016
Dear Jeannine, Greg, Adrienne, Krista and Dana . . .
Thinking of you with very warm memories of shared family dinners, wonderful conversations and laughter . . . lo, those many years ago now.
Somewhere now, there is a Sondheim "duet" gracing eternity . . .
What I wouldn't give for another evening gathered around that old piano in the basement !
My sincerest condolences . . .
Sandra Chopping
February 24, 2016
Dear the Lawlor and Chopping Lawlor families,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. Husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and mentor. He was truly one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. I will cherish our infrequent but so meaningful encounters in Vancouver, Cambridge, and Montreal. His compassion and caring, eloquence, spiritedness, and spiritual seeking were qualities that shone through and I am sure touched everyone he met. I know they did me and I will remember him always in my heart.
With deepest condolences, Sandra
February 24, 2016
Fond memories of working together a few short years in our former Dept of Culture and Values. We had some good times.
Boyd
Buddy Moore
February 24, 2016
Sincere condolences to the Lawlor family on the passing of Bill.I was a classmate with Bill in grade 7 at St Willibrord's.We also played on the sane juvenile hockey team in the fifties.Like Bill,I worked in the field of education as a teacher and a high school administrator.Bill will certainly be missed.May he rest in peace.
Anne Briggs
February 24, 2016
Dear Krista and Family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Shelly & Diane Wolfson
February 23, 2016
Dear Jeanine and Family,
The world has lost a rare gem. I first met Bill at the Faculty of Education in 1970 when he, Mort, Winston, and Eric took a collection of idealistic, excited, and inexperienced students under their wings to form "The Group". It was a life-changing moment. The love, compassion, skills and understanding that Bill and the other profs nurtured in our Group was the best education that any set of educators could have. He was a brilliant educator, an inspiring mentor, a soulful and decent human being. He will be missed, and his memory will be treasured forever.
Shelly Wolfson, for "The Group"
Carolyn Jones
February 23, 2016
To dear Dana, Simon, Mrs. Lawlor and family,
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your sweet Dad, Dana! I want to offer you my sincere sympathy. I was only blessed to meet your Dad on a few occasions working beside you Dana and he was so very kind. May you cherish your beloved memories you hold deep in your heart!
Diane Rabey
February 23, 2016
I was very fortunate to have worked with Bill for over 8 years while he was the Associate Dean in the Faculty of Education. He was always very kind, gentle, gracious and wise. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
Patrick Dias
February 23, 2016
Dear Jeannine and family,
Please accept my heart-felt sympathy for your loss of Bill. I came to know and value him as a friend and colleague at St. Joe's and later at McGill until we I retired in the late nineties. Since then I have missed his cheerful greetings and his always concerned inquiries as teaching colleague and friend. May you all find deep consolation in recalling his cheerful and encouraging ways and in knowing how very much he was valued by students and colleagues. Patricia joins me in our shared sorrow.
Patrick and Patricia
Jenn and Paul
February 23, 2016
Dana, your entire family holds a special place in my heart and I'm so sorry that you have to go through this awful time of grieving your dad. He and your mom have always showed me such kindness and support over the years, and this carried over once Paul, Gigi and Sammy came into the world. This always blew us away after we'd see them, and made us feel loved. What an amazing gift and memory to have. My heart is broken for you all, but I'm so glad you have each other to lean on.
February 23, 2016
My deepest sympathy to you, Jeannine and family. The good memories, and there are many, will live on
Leo.
Jeff Segal
February 22, 2016
Dear Krista and family,
My deepest sympathies. May you be spared further sorrow.
Jackie Cox
February 22, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire family. I have so many fond memories of Uncle Bill. He will surely be missed.
Mary Maguire
February 22, 2016
Dear Jeannine and family.
I am very saddened to read about your loss of Bill. I have fond memories of Bill as an inspiring educator, caring, compassionate, decent human being, a wonderful and wise colleague. I appreciated his warmth, great sense of humour and so very positive felt presence in every encounter and interaction I was privileged to have and work with him. He will indeed be missed. My sincere condolences
Mary Maguire
February 22, 2016
Jeannine and family, my sincere sympathy for your loss of Bill.
Mary Shore(Bill Shore)
Vancouver, formerly Montreal
Lynn Butler-Kisber
February 22, 2016
Dear Lawlor Family,
My heart goes out to you in this profound time of loss. I had the privilege of working with Bill in the Faculty of Education for many years. He was an inspiring teacher and a wonderful colleague who touched everyone with whom he came into contact. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Jill Munro
February 22, 2016
Dear Dana and Family,
So very sad to hear about your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys at this difficult time.
Jill Munro ( Big Step Day Care)
Adrienne LAWLOR
February 22, 2016
Words are not enough in expressing our gratitude for your caring messages. You continue to lift us up by sharing your memories of Dad. Warmly, Adrienne
Kevin McDonough
February 21, 2016
Bill retired from McGill, just as I arrived in 1997. Nevertheless, I was very lucky to have gotten to know him a little bit, since he continued to teach classes in the Faculty of Education after his retirement. I only wish I'd had a chance to get to know him better. He and Jeannine welcomed me and my family to Montreal and McGill when we arrived, and we appreciated their kindness a great deal. I still remember looking for him in the hallways during my first year of teaching, especially after a tough class, knowing he'd be ready with a reassuring smile or a humorous story to alleviate my anxiety and insecurity. As Ron Morris said, he had a way of making you feel important and recognized -- something we all need. My sincere condolences to his family.
colleen lawlor
February 21, 2016
Dear Uncle Bill,
I will miss you so much. I hope you know how you influenced me, always made me feel so special. You have touched so many people and brightened so many lives and truly made the most of your short time on earth. Your legacy lives on through your family and friends, Love Colleen
Kelly Swart-Davis
February 21, 2016
Dear Lawlor family. We send our deepest sympathy upon the passing of your devoted Husband, Dad, and Grandfather. We hold a special spot in our hearts for Bill, whose calm and gentle personality, shone through his smile. We have fond memories of time spent with him during his visits out West. You will continue to carry him in your hearts, and live the life he would want for you. Warmest regards, Kelly, Loran, Aia, Reuben and Margariet xo
Ron Morris
February 21, 2016
What sad news. My deepest condolences to the family. Like Jamie I found that Bill's presence did not diminish over the years. He was with me every time I taught a class. He had such an impact on my life... his sense of humor, his insight and generosity, his ability to make you feel like you are the most important person in the world. I wish I could find the words...
Lori Dulude
February 21, 2016
Dana and Family,
So sorry for your loss. My condolences.
Lori Dulude.
Julia Pare
February 21, 2016
"Mr Lawlor" my home room teacher and favorite at St Stephen's High School. His questions were as piercing as his beautiful blue eyes! My condolences to his family.
Rosemary Ganley
February 20, 2016
Beautiful memories of a teaching colleague, a man of great humour, a promoter of women, a deeply spiritual person to be remembered with joy and gratitude
Taras Pawlowsky
February 20, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. He surely will be missed by all.
Jamie Godfrey
February 20, 2016
The first and by far most important of the formal requirements at the top of every course syllabus Bill ever handed out at McGill were the words "to be present." He meant it. And he knew it was far more difficult - and far more important - than papers and class assignments. His greatest attribute as a teacher was his own hard-won ability to be truly present. He was one of the very few people I have known in whose presence I felt absolutely free to grow into my own life. Many years have passed - too many - since I last saw Bill. But his presence has not diminished, even a little. I often, nearly daily, thought of him. Now I just talk to him. It's much easier! And now, more than ever and for always, he is present.
All love to you, dear Jeannine, Greg, Ad, Krista, Dana and your growing families! I hold you all tenderly in my heart.
Stephanie Ferrante
February 20, 2016
One of my professors at McGill,a gentle man.RIP
Carol McCloskey
February 20, 2016
My favorite professor at McGill in the late 1970's. Lessons he taught are with me still.
BOB AND LIL GRAHAM
February 20, 2016
From: BOB AND LIL GRAHAM
Florida
[email protected]
OUR VERY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO JEANNINE,GREG,ADRIENNE,KRISTA,DANA AND THE EXTENDED FAMILY.
OUR BEAUTIFUL AND GENEROUS BILL WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS COMPASSION,HUMILITY,SHARING,SUPPORT AND BEING JUST A GREAT PERSON AND FRIEND IN EVERY RESPECT.
BILL, WHILE BEING A GREAT EDUCATOR,HE "WALKED THE TALK"AND WAS AN INSPIRATION IN WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS.
HIS PRESENCE AND LOVE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
WHILE IT IS SAD TO SAY ADIEU,BILL IS NOW AT A WELL EARNED PEACE,GIVEN THE SUFFERING AND PAIN HE ENDUERED WITH HIS ILLNESS.
AS A GREAT REPRESENTATIVE AND IMAGE OF CHRIST ON EARTH,THERE IS NO DOUBT HE IS AT PEACE AT OUR GOOD LORDS TABLE.
REST IN PEACE OUR GOOD FRIEND BOB AND LIL
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5301 boul. Decarie, Montreal, QC H3W 3C4
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