Obituary of Gordon Thomas Lawton

Gordon Thomas Lawton passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.  Born March 20, 1943 in Saint John, he was a son of the late Arthur and Mary (Gordon) Lawton.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn (Earle); daughter, Janice (Norbert) Furey of Quispamsis; son, Michael (Susan) Lawton of Quispamsis and grandchildren, Grace, Matthew and Makayla Lawton and son, Keith Lawton of Saint John.  He is also survived by his brother, John (Judy) Lawton and several nieces and nephews.  Gordon was predeceased by his two sisters, Edith Govang of Hamilton and Shirley Watt of Calgary.

Gordon grew up on Sewell Street in uptown Saint John and attended the Anglican Stone Church on Carleton Street.  He went to Saint John High School, where he enjoyed playing on the rugby team.  He obtained his Plumbing License from NBCC Moncton and worked in the trade for his father’s company, Lawton’s Mechanical.  He became Co-owner with his brother, John Lawton.  Lawton’s Mechanical was a well-known plumbing & pipefitting contractor in Saint John and throughout New Brunswick.

He was a member of the Saint John Construction Association, Adams Pond Fishing Club, Beaver Lake Fishing Club and Ducks Unlimited Canada.  He served for several years on the Board of Directors for CAA Atlantic - Saint John.  He enjoyed nature, trout and salmon fishing and duck hunting.  He liked sports, played racquetball and enjoyed challenging his friends at the annual summer horseshoe competition on the beach at Tennants Cove.  Above all he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren at his cottage in Tennants Cove.  He had a great sense of humour and was a prolific storyteller.  Gordon will be missed by family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424) where visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 4:30 to 6:30pm.  A Funeral Service will take place from Brenan’s Chapel on Friday, March 8^th at 2:00pm with a reception to follow celebrating Gordon’s life.  A family graveside service will take place later in the Spring. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada or the NB Lung Association.