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JAMES KENNETH LAWTON (JIM)
Born: Mar 08, 1929
Date of Passing: Nov 29, 2020
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JAMES KENNETH LAWTON
March 8, 1929 - November 29, 2020
Jim was predeceased in 2018 by Helene, his wife of 60 years and the love of his life; his parents, Walter and Margaret, and his sister June (Loewen).
He leaves behind to miss him forever his daughters, Barbara, Kathryn (Jeff Curtis), Susan (Chris Rebizant) and son David (Mary); grandchildren, Evan (Sarah), Tanner, Jessica, Hunter and Sarah; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Stech and Ruth Busch; as well as nieces, nephews and caring friends.
Jim was born in Winnipeg and grew up in the West End where he attended Isaac Brock School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. After high school, he studied accounting and in 1953, he signed on as an auditor with Revenue Canada. He worked there for 35 years and retained his skill at calculating numbers in his head at record speed until the end.
In 1958, Jim married Helene and they bought a house in Windsor Park that remained "home" for over 62 years. Few families are blessed with the deep roots and stability the Lawton family experienced, celebrating every Christmas and family milestone under the same roof for six decades.
While numbers were Jim's forte, the love of music was his passion, particularly Big Band swing and other jazz forms. He bought his first 78 rpm recording as a young teenager with earnings from delivering newspapers and went on to build a huge vinyl library of his favourites: Ellington, Goodman, Herman, Shaw, Krupa, the Dorsey brothers and favourite vocalists, Sinatra and Fitzgerald. He was also an accomplished jazz whistler whose range and rhythm made him a world-class musician in his own right. He enjoyed golf and curling, leading the Revenue Canada team as skip to win the city championship at the Grain Exchange Curling Club in the early 1960s.
"Ol' Dad" was always tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren. He documented their growth and accomplishments through countless photos, home movies and 25 years of VHS footage, carefully catalogued and archived for his family. His encyclopedic knowledge of all things - history, politics, literature, vocabulary and grammar, news and current events, you name it - combined with sharp wit and good humour, left an indelible impression on everyone he met. He was a man of integrity, fairness and reason in all things.
As his health struggles intensified over the last few years, Dad was determined to remain at home under the care of his "three angels" as he called his daughters. He left this world as he lived his life - on his own terms, with dignity and poise. He will always be remembered as a class act.
The family is sincerely grateful to Dr. O. Prodan, Dr. V. Taraska, Dr. P. Cho and their staff.
In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honour to the Manitoba Lung Association, the Manitoba Prostate Centre at CancerCare Manitoba or Jazz Winnipeg.
Family and friends may sign a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca
Glen Lawn Funeral Home
204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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What a sadness, losing your dear father..... I am thinking of you, Barbara, and Kathy and the family. I am glad you have each other in this trying time. xoxo - Posted by: Valorie Dyck (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2021
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So sad for your loss. Your Mom and Dad will live on in my heart. Pamela Diaczun - Posted by: Pamela Diaczun (Related ) on: Dec 17, 2020
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Dale and I were very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will forever hold a very special place in my heart and will be greatly missed. Jim was like a second dad to me as I spent many an hour and years at the Lawton residence. Whenever I arrived at the house he would always greet me with “Oh no it’s you again”, which I would in return reply “hey Jim”. Not mister Lawton but Jim, because that was our special greeting and I knew in reality he was always glad to see me and I him! Jim was always a great host especially when a party was happening at the house. Let’s just say your cup was never dry. He was great at making Gin martinis as that was Helen’s favorite drink. So at one party I asked him to make me one. He looked at me with great surprise and asked “are you sure?” I said of course because I had previously tried a vodka martini and thought it was good, and wanted to impress him with my grown up choice. Well being young and not realizing martinis could be made with vodka and gin, he made me one :). Needless to say it was very different tasting than what I thought it would be! But wanting to keep my supposed sophistication, I drank it all down but very slowly! Course Jim noticed this and when finally finished, he asked if I would like another with a twinkle in his eye. I of course declined, but every time after that - at every social gathering - he would ask me if I would like another martini with a sly smile 😊. Jim had a great sense of humor and we would have great fun ribbing each other whenever we had the chance. It was always important to listen to Jim’s sage advice, only because you knew he was probably right! I will always be thankful for the wonderful times I had at the Lawton household because Jim and Helen were always welcoming to whomever walked through their door! We will miss having both of them in our life! - Posted by: Kathy Karasiuk (Friend of family) on: Dec 13, 2020
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My memories of Jim are full of funny moments as well as a man who loved and cared for those around him. I know he will be missed by many but these memories will always be there to comfort you. RIP. - Posted by: Pamela Reece (Friend ) on: Dec 13, 2020
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We had the pleasure of knowing the Lawton Family and being part of their Christmas and holiday fun. We also enjoyed the great music enjoyed by their families! We will miss you Mr. Lawton. Now enjoy dancing with your lovely wife. - Posted by: Laurie & Randy Van Elslander (Friends ) on: Dec 12, 2020
