Obituary of PETER LAWSON

Peter Lawson, 66, of Whittier passed away Friday, August 14, 2009. Recently retired, "Pete" was the Editor-in-Chief of the Smokey Mountain Times newspaper for more than 34 years. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, VISTA fellow, and a long time member of The Bryson City Lions Clubs. Pete graduated from Wesleyan University in Boston MA majoring in Political Science. His hobbies included gardening and still photography. He was a train enthusiast, and a lifelong Boston Red Sox baseball fan. Born in Boston, MA, he was preceded in death by his father Charles Richard Lawson, stepfather Chester Messer and mother Ruth Lind Lawson Messer. Pete is survived by his devoted wife Meredyth D. Rowan Lawson; son Charles Rowan Lawson of Whittier, NC, and daughters, Marie Lawson Gaudet and husband Rick of Burleson, TX, and Mary Lawson Southerds of Alexander, NC. Pete leaves his mother-in-law Edith D. Rowan of Whittier, NC; six grandchildren, Aaron, Amber, Laenice, Annacelia, Jeff and Russ; two sisters Nancy Guilbault and husband Bob of Concord, NH, Joan Forrer of Palm Springs, CA, and a brother Ralph Messer and wife Joyce of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his extended family Yvonne, Beverly, Denise and Julia Bushyhead. A public memorial service will be from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Swain County Center for the Arts, Bryson City, NC. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Bryson City Lions Club, c/o Judy Burnett, 123 Martin Street,Bryson City, North Carolina 28713. For additional information, call 828-488-8628 or email jaburnett100@aol.com