The obituary notice of Brian LAWSON

Brian and Helen then moved to rural Northumberland where he met his second wife Ann, who came from a large farming family. Their mutual love of the countryside cementing what was to become the most important relationship of his life. Ann also took on Helen, becoming a hugely influential figure in her life too.

During this period Brian returned to University to study for a post graduate degree in zoology and chemistry. Next, Brian and Ann (Helen having left home by then) moved to central Scotland where Brian started work as a countryside ranger.

In 1979 when Brian joined Uist Builders and announced to Ann that they would be moving to the Outer Hebrides, I don’t know if they realised that they would still be here 34 years later!

By the sheer force of his personality most people took to him. People from all walks of life – the colonels and titled folk he met whilst shooting & fishing, the tradesmen he worked with in his professional life – all counted him as a friend.

He will be remembered though by those tasked with loving him - Ann and Helen and his grandson Duncan, of whom Brian was particularly proud - as kind and generous with an immense capacity to light up a room.

For Dad

P2.

Brian Gray Lawson

26th October 1932 - 21st February 2014

Brian was born in Hull and although he lived most of his life in Scotland, he was always proud of his Yorkshire roots, often saying “once a Yorkshireman, always a gentleman”.

As a child in the Second World War he experienced first hand the terrible destruction of Hull, sheltering under the staircase with his mother. Perhaps this is why he always lived life to the full and never bowed down to anybody or anything, making him a formidable character to deal with.

As a student he always got top marks. He was a talented musician who could have become a concert pianist, but in the uncertain post war times it was decided that civil engineering would be a more secure career.

He met his first wife Mollie in Hull, they married and moved to the coastal town of Tynemouth near Newcastle where they had two daughters Stephanie and Helen. After a number of years working for McAlpines he set up his own roofing company “Vaposeal”. He built the company up into a very successful business operating out of the prestigious Gosforth Park Industrial Estate in Newcastle. During this time he became master of his Masonic Lodge. Later due to the 1970s economic downturn the company was taken over.

Brian loved the outdoors and was a brilliant fly fisherman as well as an excellent shot. On the golf course he had a handicap of 5 and won many trophies including the coveted “hole in one” at Tynemouth golf course.

It is important to mention his love of animals, especially his dogs, in particular a black Labrador confusingly named “Horse”, who during his years in Newcastle accompanied him all over the country riding shotgun in the front seat of his Jaguar.

After the roofing company, he opened a gun and fishing tackle shop and bought a boat to take anglers deep sea fishing. During this period he and Mollie separated, Helen choosing to live with her father whist Stephanie went with her mother.

P1.

I think about all the laughter, Ginge! Chass! Dad!

My Fathers gravestone was changed to show the correct spelling of Gray. Ann his second wife was added later on her death.
Dad and Ann were a perfect match and gave me so much love. I am so blessed to have had them as my parents. Not a day goes by when I do not hear their voices.
What wonderful times.
Helen