Monday, May 12, 2008

More than 400 attend Lawson memorial

By Dan Hilborn, Burnaby Now assistant editor
Published Nov. 5, 2003


An estimated 400 people came out to the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the life of long-time Burnaby councillor and environmentalist Doreen Lawson, who succumbed to a heart attack last month.

While Lawson was always best known for her political and environmental work, the Crystal Ballroom was turned into an art gallery of sorts to allow Lawson's many friends, family and acquaintances to see her wonderful works of art.

The walls were covered in paintings and collages, mostly of the nature scenes Lawson loved so much. There were three-dimensional pieces and even some colourful weaving.

Among the guests who came to pay their respects were a senator, her former husband Ed Lawson, MP Svend Robinson, and B.C.'s deputy premier Christy Clark. Many people were surprised to see former environment minister and Burnaby mayor Dave Mercier in attendance, fully recovered from the heart attack he suffered while competing in the Sun Run last spring.

Other notables on hand were Lawson's good friends and supporters Don and Barbara Copan, the Hummel family, Teressa Bernard and her 94- year-old weaving teacher Violet Belsham. Virtually all of the sitting city council was in attendance, as were former council colleagues Vic Stusiak, Barbara Der, Alan Emmott, George MacLean, Doug Drummond and Jim Young, plus former city manager Mel Shelley.

The family notes that the Doreen Lawson Burnaby Lake Memorial Fund at the Vancouver Foundation is now being established and contributions can be made by contacting 604-688-2204.

Personally, I was unable to stay for the formal presentation during the memorial, however, a poem written for Doreen Anne Lawson by her daughter Linda provides the best memory.

"Look for me in the tall tree, for when the wind moves through rustling leaves, I am there.
See me in every dancing stream or rushing river, in calm or storm on lake and sea.
When birds take flight, I will be there, with turtles basking on rocks in the sun or tree frogs serenading the night.
Watch me in the ever-changing ocean; or swim for me and laugh at the wonderful sight of your toes floating in the water as you lie on your back in peace, as I so loved to do.
Find me everywhere in nature, for nature was ever part of me.
And now I am part of her."

Goodbye, Doreen. You will be missed.

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