Obituary of Derek LAWSON

April 16, 1970 – October 28, 2016 Derek was born in Hollywood, California and grew up in Montreal, which seems appropriate since he was a true renaissance man. He loved an array of music (“Into the Void” comes to mind), almost all sports (his team was the San Francisco 49ers), writing/reading, politics (he was always up for a great U.S. political debate!), travelling, history, dance parties, chocolate M&M’s, ice cream, cookies (preferably chocolate or ginger), and fitness. His mind was exceptional and he never forgot anything… except his wallet or car keys on occasion ;). After Montreal, he graduated with honours from Mount Alison University, in New Brunswick, with a degree in Economics and Foreign Policy. The West drew him and he travelled across the country to work in Vancouver for a summer as a concert roadie, and then later decided to come to Calgary where he pursued some further education at the University here. This was where he met his wife, Corinne Lyall. The joke was that they found “love at the Den (U of C’s popular bar)”. He had a few careers, mostly in corporate sales, before he discovered his true passion of Education and Teaching. He completed a Masters of Teaching degree at the University of Calgary, and then taught in private schools for a few years, including his beloved students at Edison School in Okotoks. However, University summoned him again and he returned to complete a Masters Degree in Education. Unfortunately, he was just beginning his thesis work when he passed away suddenly from heart failure on Friday night. Thankfully, his faculty, colleagues, and beloved advisor and mentor, Shirley Steinberg, will ensure his memory and writings will live on. Most recently, he connected with Syrian Refugees Calgary and was tutoring a family to learn English, along with teaching the eldest son, Mohamed, how to drive! He was so passionate, spirited, and generous. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Corinne Lyall, along with his father, David Lawson, his sister Kim McCrea and her family (Scott, Grace, and James), Diane and Tony LaVallée (his aunt and uncle), and Corinne’s family; Jan and Clare Lyall (his mother and father-in-law), Cal Lyall and Jamie Reed (his brother and sister-in-law), along with a plethora of friends from Calgary, Montreal, and across the world. His mother, Barbara Lawson, predeceased him two years ago. As well, it would be remiss in not mentioning his love for his snow white crazy and super smart cat, Basil, who was his companion until last year when he passed away. A Celebration of Derek’s Life will be held at the Willow Park Golf and Country Club (639 Willow Park Dr. SE) on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send cheque donations to Syrian Refugees Calgary, attention to Sam Namora, 1240B – 16th Avenue N.W., Calgary, T2M 0K9. The family will also have a donation basket at the Celebration. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Derek Lawson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.