Lorne Lawson

From Glengarryceltic

Lorne Lawson was born in St. Andrew's West and spent his early years on the dairy farm of his parents, Hilary and Lea (Houlahan) Lawson.

Marriage to Sandra (McDonell) in 1954 brought five children followed by thirteen grandchildren, all of whom are a source of great pride.

Lorne's teaching career began in Kirkland Lake, with many years as teacher, principal and superintendent to follow in Ottawa and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry schools.

In his early years as Superintendent of Education in Glengarry County, the Board was determined to hire Pipe Major J.T MacKenzie as a piping teacher. Though eminently qualified through the Glasgow School of Piping, the Pipe Major did now have Ontario teacher qualifications. After Lorne suggested the Board could appoint a "Piper to the Board" with teaching duties, the Ministry relented and drew up a permanent "Letter of Permission". The Pipe Major developed a credit course in piping, and he and Lorne obtained approval from the Ministry. Thus education grants would then be used in the development of Piping classes, particularly in the Glengarry School of Piping.

Lorne helped to organize several local Celtic concerts and the Glengarry Club of Ottawa asked him to direct several Glengarry Shows at the National Arts Centre and later at the Centrepointe Theatre. This he did with great help from the Glengarry Club members and, in particular, the late Margery Stewart.

In Lorne's view, the last show, presented in 1995 to celebrate our Glengarry Celtic culture and to recognize our veterans of the Second World War on the 50th Anniversary of the victory in Europe, was most touching. He still recalls the Lancaster Legion Colour Party marching in front of that most stellar Glengarry cast. Lorne is a charter member of the Glengarry Strathspey and Reel Society, and the Celtic Music Hall of Fame. He was pleased to be a member of the committee that successfully founded the Chair of Celtic Studies at the University of Ottawa.

The Lawsons have been proud members of St. Finnan's Parish for forty years. Lorne was a founding member of the violin group in the Parish choir. He is still playing as they try to add some Celtic flavour to the Church services.

Lorne holds firm to the traditions and music of his Irish and Scottish ancestors and has been instrumental in ensuring they will be here for generations to come.