G. John Lawson

BARRE - G. John Lawson, 75, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, due to complications from a recent surgery.

Born on February 4, 1949, John was the cherished son of Thomas J. and Lorena McGoff. Growing up in Graniteville, Vermont, he found a love for the area and continued to spend his adulthood as a proud Barre resident and a respected community member. He was a 1967 Spaulding High School graduate, and a graduate of Vermont Technical College in 1969. John then joined the Army Reserves in 1970, where he dutifully served for six years, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class.

During that time, John met and fell in love with Pamella (Cano) Lawson and the two were married in 1972, together completing their family with two beautiful daughters, Kim (Cano) Benson, and Bridgett (Lawson) Apfel.

John, a clever and capable man, put his knack for inventive solutions and ingenious nature to good use during his 42-year career at IBM. With six patents credited to his name, he retired as an Advisory Engineer in 2013, eager to spend more time with his beloved family, woodworking, gardening, or thinking of the next joke to tell at Sunday dinner. John, or Poppa, as he was known to many, loved his grandchildren above all else. There were no limits to what he would do, create, or say just to put a smile on their faces. He was a true child at heart, with an infectious and genuine full-faced grin. He made sure to never miss a sporting event, life achievement, or a moment where a memory could be made. He took every opportunity to pass on a skill, including teaching the entire family to ski. He will forever be remembered for his humorous and stubborn character, his MacGyver-type ways, and his impeccable impression of Donald Duck. John's laughter, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Survivors include his daughter Kim Benson and her husband, Danny; his daughter Bridgett Apfel and her husband, Jeff along with three grandchildren Daniel and Marissa Benson and Ian Apfel.

Predeceased by his wife Pam, in 2020, parents Thomas and Lorena, and father, George W. Lawson.

The graveside service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Wilson Cemetery in Lower Websterville.

As a dedicated supporter of the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Mt. Sinai Temple No. 3 for the Benefit of Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, PO Box 742, Montpelier, VT  05601-0742, and the Vermont Foodbank, John expressed his wish for memorial contributions to be directed to these organizations.