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William (Will) John Lawson

February 1, 2017

William (Will) John Lawson passed calmly surrounded by loved ones in his home on February 1, 2017 in Victoria, BC ending his courageous and graceful journey with liver cancer. He was 68. Will was born on September 27, 1948 in Hamilton, ON to his parents, Bill and Sue Lawson. Will left Ontario in his early 20’s for northern BC to fulfill his dream to live in the bush. He worked as a skilled carpenter in Hazelton where he married the love of his life Val Napoleon and formed enduring friendships. In 2016, Will and Val celebrated 35 years together. Will and Val moved to Victoria to advance Val’s bachelor’s and doctorate in law and then to Edmonton, AB for a few years before returning to Victoria. Will is fondly remembered by friends and family as a generous soul who lived with integrity. He was a passionate environmentalist, musical enthusiast, practiced life-long learning through extensive reading, and embraced the culture and traditions of his Indigenous family. Will attributed his incredible recovery and health to the healing sweats he participated in or that were performed in his honour. He was extremely grateful for the support and expert care received from his family physician, Dr. Marie Skinnider, and the Victoria Hospice Society Palliative Response Team. Will is survived by his wife, Val; his sister Charlotte McCrae; and his niece Tamara Napoleon, her husband, Merle Alexander, and their son, Elijah Napoleon, all of Victoria, BC. Close friends and family gathered for a private farewell to Will on February 7, 2017 at the Royal Oak Burial Park chapel. A celebration of Will’s life will be planned later this year. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Victoria Hospice Society: https://www.victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/ give-gift-today Condolences may be offered to the family at www.pacificcoastcremation.com



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