LaFay Melvin Lawson of Woodstock, NB, passed away peacefully on Thursday Dec 17, 2015 at the Upper River Valley Hospital at the age of 87.

Son of LeRoy and Margaret (McMinn) Lawson of Bull Lake, NB, LaFay is survived by his wife Ada (Cogswell), his three children Melvin (Carol) Lawson of Rothesay, NB, Allen (Deborah) Lawson of Saint John NB, and Sheila (Kirk) Lappage of Redbridge, NB; his siblings Robin (Joan) Lawson of Bull Lake and Fern Turner, of Burlington, ON; eight grandchildren Charles (Christie) Lappage, FayeCarol Burns, Angela (Justin) Greer, Kevin (Shelly) Lawson, Nicole (Damon) Dyer, Benjamin (Felicia) Lawson, Jenna Lawson, Michael (Shyla) Lawson; eleven great-grandchildren (Sara, Katelyn, Rebecca, Abigail, Caleb, Aiden, Ashlee, Amealya, Dylann, Bree and Jason) and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother George, and his sisters Muriel Sewell and Alice Scott.

LaFay had a close and meaningful relationship with his faith, the outdoors, and his family. He lived by that faith, and often demonstrated it, for many years driving the bus for the Sunday School program at Woodstock and Waterville churches, bring many children to the Lord. He worked hard to support the youth, and was a strong supporter of the church's Bannon Camp. Born in Bull Lake, it was a constant in his life, drawing him back often, no matter where his family moved. LaFay spent countless hours, actually days and months working his Christmas tree farm there, and loving being "with nature." His trees were a family business with all of the children, grandchildren and in-laws working at some point in the venture. Sold as far away as Winnipeg, MB, they were a regular fixture in the Saint John area each November and December. LaFay was a soft-spoken friendly giant of a man, but when he spoke, there was meaning to his words. He had the gentle touch (his hugs will be missed), but let there be no doubt he could be stern. Several winters ago, while working amongst the Christmas trees at Bull Lake, he was injured (broken hip), and unable to come back out of the woods. When found, he had settled in, content to pass on amongst the trees, and wildlife, after having lived a good, full, happy and Godly life.
LaFay worked for the provincial Forestry Department for many years. He was an avid Christmas Tree Farmer, a faithful member of the United Pentecostal Church, and a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather.

Resting at the Scott Funeral Home, 815 Main Street, Woodstock, visitation will be on Saturday December 19, 2015 from 2 4 & 7 9 PM.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, December 20, at 3:30 pm from the Calvary United Pentecostal Church. Rev. Michael Wittmeier will be officiating with interment in the Woodstock Rural cemetery at a later date.

If desired, donation may be made to The Bannon Camp, which was so important to LaFay.