WESTFIELD- Raymond C. Lawson Jr. Age 67, of Westfield, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012 from injuries sustained that day in a motor vehicle accident in Columbus Twp., PA.

Ray was born on November 4, 1945 in Jamestown, NY; a son of the late Raymond C. and Katherine "Kate" (Riley) Lawson Sr.

A 1963 graduate of Mayville Central School, Ray earned his Associate Degree from Coyne Electrical Technical School in 1965. He enjoyed a long career with Sears and Roebuck Company as a service technician, working out of the Lakewood, NY service center, when he retired in 2005 after 40 years of service.

Ray was very active in the Westfield Fire Department, where he served as Chief from 1984-1986 and held virtually every office within the Hook and Ladder Company and Fire Department. He was also active on many committees including the Finance Committee, various truck Committees and has served as an officer of the First Aid Squad. Ray was the chairman of the Annual Ox Roast since 1984 and head of the Chicken and Rib Barbecues. He had been president of the Exempt Fireman's Association since 1986 and was a past president of the Department's past Chief's Association. Ray was also active in the County and State wide Fire Service, served on the Chautauqua County Fire Advisory Board, the Radio Committee and the R-Fire Program. He was a member of countless Fire Organizations including but not limited to, the State and County Chiefs Associations and the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen.

He was also a member of the Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club, where he groomed trails from 1979-1988 as well as being a member for the Chautauqua Overland Ski Marathon. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, motor cycling, hauling grapes for Rammelt Farms and tinkering on his own farm. He was also loved dearly by this friends in the Amish Community.

Survivors including his wife of 47 years, Felicia (Syper) Lawson, whom he married on June 19, 1965 in Mayville, NY and his three daughters; Dawn (Robert) Betts of Westfield NY, rachel (James) Morrison of Westfield, NY and Valerie (Dennis Odebralski) Lawson of Dunkirk, NY. Ray was the very proud grandfather of seven grandchildren that include Thomas and Ashley Betts, Taylor and Caleb Lawson, Brent and Courtney Morrison, and Dennis "DJ" Odebralski. Ray is further survived by his sister Peggy L. Holcomb of Mayville, NY and his brother, Frederick (Rita) Himes of Dade City, FL. Several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, December 29 2012 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Westfield Fireman's Exempt Hall, 75 Bourne Street Westfield, NY, where the funeral will be held at 3 pm with Rev. Mark Teets officiating. Family will also receive friends following the service. Private burial will be at Mayville cemetery.

Rays family suggests Memorials be made to The Westfield Fireman's Exempt Assoc. 75 Bourne Street Westfield, NY, 14787 or to the Chautauqua lake Snowmobile Club PO Box # 134 Mayville, NY, 14757. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the MASON Funeral Home 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY.

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Dear Lawson family: The shock of losing someone so quickly and so young is heartbreaking. You have wonderful memories and each other to help you ease the pain. You are in my prayers, God Bless and keep you.


Written by Linda Thomas
2012-12-27 7:39:52 PM

To all the Lawson family: our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Written by Donna & Sam Arnold
2012-12-28 10:02:21 AM

Felecia,
Not sure if my 1st message went through or not. I want to express my deepest thoughts and sympathy for you and the family. May God speed your healing.
Carol


Written by Carol Near
2012-12-28 10:06:14 AM

Felicia and Family, My Deepest Sympathy To You All. Fond Memories Of Ray And All His Good Deeds Accomplished.

Written by Greg Dudley
2012-12-28 10:51:16 AM

To Felicia, Dawn, Rachel, Valerie and your families....There are no new words that I can say to all of you that you have not already heard...Please know that I am beside you all every step of the way and my door is always open...Our world has lost another great man with a heart even bigger than he was......misdeb

Written by Deborah Phillips
2012-12-28 10:57:11 AM

To the Lawson family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. What a shock to lose someone so tragic and soon. May your memories of family times and holidays keep you smiling and remembering Rays' life and his unconditional love he had for love he had not only for his family, but also the community.

Cassandra, Destinee and Camden


Written by Cassandra Rogers
2012-12-28 10:58:22 AM

Felicia, Valerie, Rachel and Dawn, Our sincere sympathy and prayers for the entire Lawson family, children,and grandchildren. May the wonderful memories hold you and keep you.


Written by Gerry and Reenie Rogers
2012-12-28 12:41:27 PM

To the family of my friend Ray Lawson. I was shocked to readof the accident in the P-J online. I was just thinking of giving him a phone call, but now too late.

Written by Tony Baideme
2012-12-28 1:16:16 AM

To the family of my friend Ray Lawson. I was shocked to readof the accident in the P-J online. I was just thinking of giving him a phone call, but now too late.

Written by Tony Baideme
2012-12-28 1:16:16 AM

To the family of my friend Ray Lawson. I was shocked to readof the accident in the P-J online. I was just thinking of giving him a phone call, but now too late.

Written by Tony Baideme
2012-12-28 1:16:16 AM

To the entire Lawson family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Accidents that stike so quickly, especially at this time of year, are so tragic. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Written by Sue LoPresti
2012-12-28 1:59:17 PM

Valerie and family we were sorry to hear of your loss. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this time.

Alicia's Mom and Dad

Written by Jerry and Deanna Alexander
2012-12-28 2:55:38 PM

Felicia, Dawn(my Classmate), Rachal, Valerie & the rest of the Lawnson Family, So sorry to hear of your Husband, Father, Grandfather & a really nice person who came in contact with Ray. Our thoughts & Prayers for you guys & the Family especially at this time of year, definetly a difficult time.

Written by James & Becky Leid
2012-12-28 3:25:49 PM

Dear Felicia, Dawn, Rachel, Valerie, and Families,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. There are no words I can say to make you all not hurt at this time. Just know that you have friends and family to lean on and to help you through this difficult time. I was always so thankful for Ray to run over to my house to fix the washer or dryer in a crisis. His smile will truly be missed. May God hold your family tight and carry you through this time of sadness.

Written by Robyn Dhali
2012-12-28 6:15:10 AM

Dear Felicia, Dawn, Rachael, Valerie and families.
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Remembering the neighborhood gatherings. The snowmobiling across Chautauqua lake. It's difficult when one is taken so sudden. I hope and pray that God, family and friends will comfort you during this trying time.

Written by Donna (Reid) Watkins
2012-12-28 6:53:26 AM

To Felicia, Peggy and the rest of the Lawson family. So sorry to hear of this tragedy. We have lost far to many of our classmates far to early. Remember many a fine time hanging with "Butch", he will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies to you all.

Phil Clark

Written by Phil Clark
2012-12-28 7:00:38 AM

Felicia and family: We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Debbie Baum

Written by Jim and Debbie Baum
2012-12-28 7:26:36 PM

Felicia and family: We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Debbie Baum

Written by Jim and Debbie Baum
2012-12-28 7:26:36 PM

Felicia, Dawn, Rach, Val and all the grandchildren,
May you find comfort that your husband, Dad and grandfather is at peace and had little suffering. Some of my fondest childhood memories were the countless hours spent at the Lawson house. Your Dad (and Mom) always treated all of us friends like we were his own. What wonderful memories we all have. Your Dad was a wonderful man and touched so many people with his smile kind heart and generosity. Hold on to the memories, they are priceless.

Written by Patti Del Balso Wetterhahn
2012-12-28 7:48:46 AM

Felicia and girls,

So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. He has been a good friend for many years.

Ron and Connie Hall

Written by Ronald and Connie Hall
2012-12-28 8:12:21 PM

Dear Val, T, Caleb & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. PaPa Ray was a great, kind man. He was a grandpa to Jake. He certainly knew how to keep Jake and T busy and out of trouble. He will be greatly missed by all. T - remember "when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure" We will be here for you buddy. Love you.

Written by Teresa & Jacob Alonge
2012-12-28 8:40:48 AM

Deepest sympathies to the entire Lawson family.. Ray was a excellent man, may he rest in peace.

Written by Julie Irwin
2012-12-28 9:03:30 AM

Our thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Ray was indeed a major part of your family and all of us in Westfield. More so than many realize. A larger than life individual!!!

Written by Gordon & Trina Boise
2012-12-28 9:19:22 AM

Felicia, Dawn, Rachel and Val,

What can Ken, Ann and I say that hasn't already been said? Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are so proud to have known him and Ken will certainly miss all the favors that Ray has done for him. I am so glad they had an opportunity to become such good friends. What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. To know Ray was to love him. What a wonderful man with a heart that was as "Big" as he was. We will never forget him. It would be impossible. With our heartfelt sympathy and love, Ken, JoAnn and Ann Belcher

Written by JO ANN BELCHER
2012-12-28 9:54:31 AM

Felicia, girls and family,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you try and get through this tragic time. Please feel free to call upon us for any needs you may have.

Alison, Jeff, Brandin and Cody Bolinger

Written by Alison Bolinger
2012-12-29 12:01:23 AM

Felicia and family,
Bob and I are so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. Although Bob and I had not know him for very many years we knew that he was a helpful and caring person. He was always there to help who ever needed help. He will be sadly missed. If there is anything that Bob or I can do for you please do not hesitate to give us a call. Again our deepest sympathy.

Written by Donna & Bob Tracy
2012-12-29 12:12:56 PM

What a wonderful person!!! I was fortunate enough to see this guy on more than one occasion, and he ALWAYS put a smile on my face!!! He will be truly missed-and I am certain that will be by many, many, many!!! A pleasant Fellow-in the truest sense of the word. God Bless to Ray's family! Know your guy has 'earned his wings...'

Written by Susan Bradigan
2012-12-29 1:13:34 AM

Felicia
Our prayers are with you and
the family.God's blessings
to all the family
Jay & Marianette Bowen

Written by Marianette Bowen
2012-12-29 2:10:07 PM

Felicia and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go got to you at this sorrowful time.

Tom and Debbie VandeVelde

Written by Debbie VandeVelde
2012-12-29 2:40:30 PM

Praying today for my husband who lost a friend from Sears, Ray Lawson of Westfield on Wednesday storm. Ed and Ray worked together for 36 some years together on the roads helping for 40 years,repair anything Sears made. At many time God can call us home to be with Him. I remember Ray as a fire man for Westfield, and as my Grandma Hittie Cooper lived on Bank Street in Westfield. As my Grandmother got to be on in her years, like her late 80's she would fall over on the floor and would craw to her phone and call for help, and Ray Lawson would come and pick her up off the ground, Ray was a very big guy, and it was nothing for him to lift her up and stand her on her feet. I praise God for his love for my Grandma, and she was only one person he helped.
And all the Sears summer parties they had. The one I remember was at a park near the Erie Zoo. Ray and some friends at Sears road the motor cycles to the park and had a wonderful time with his friends, and my husband got on Rays bike, I still have the picture of Ed Harvey on Rays bike, and Ray standing in the back ground looking over at his friend on his bike, talking to my son in law John Monagle. I am not sure of the year, but Ed looked so good on someone else bike.

So today I am praying for Ray Lawson and his family

Written by Ed Harvey
2012-12-29 3:16:37 AM

Dear Mrs. Lawson,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. You do not know me...I too, recently lost my husband unexpectedly, while he was working in Massachusetts. My heart aches for you, as I know the pain you are in.
God bless you and your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Most sincerely,
Judy Thompson


Written by Judy Thompson
2012-12-29 5:16:56 PM

To the Lawson family,
We are so sorry for your lose. I was very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. May God be with you in your time of need. Love you all


Written by Marsha (Reid)Leaf
2012-12-29 6:23:33 PM

My family is deeply saddened to hear of Ray's passing. I have many fond memories as a teenager being welcomed in the joyful and busy Lawson home. Ray was always ready into include extra kids into the family's many community activities. Ray will be deeply missed. ~ Heather (Rogers) Dunbar





Written by Heather (Rogers) Dunbar
2012-12-29 8:09:09 AM

Lawson family & friends: Offering our sincere condolences for the loss of Ray. Such a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him. May God bless all of you in the new year. Ann Belcher & Jim Blanchard

Written by Jim Blanchard
2012-12-29 8:21:57 AM

To the Lawson Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you try and get through this difficult time. Ray was a great guy and will be dearly missed by all

Written by Kevin Callahan Sr
2012-12-29 9:32:59 AM

Dear Felicia, Peggy, & Family,
I don't know if you remember me, I use to spend all my summers with my aunt Muriel &
uncle Grant. I was so sad to hear about Ray my thoughts and prayers are with you.


Sincerly,
Pam

Written by Pam Mantz- Maynard
2012-12-29 9:33:54 AM

So sorry God be with you

Written by Ron and Carolyn Smith
2012-12-30 10:35:30 AM

We were so very shocked to hear the tragic news! We thought we had misheard the name. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this very difficult time. We can honestly say that everyone in your family has touched our lives in one way or another throughout the years and to have this happen to you seems like it happens to all of us in the closely-knit village of Westfield.The contributions that both Ray and Felicia have made to the community can never be repaid - we just hope you accept our thanks for all you've done and Ray and his thoughtful gestures to anyone in need will be sorely missed. No one will ever be able to take his place. Once again, we are so deeply sorry for your entire family's loss...

Written by Suzanne & Tom Gross
2012-12-30 10:41:41 AM

May you find comfort in precious memories... our warm thoughts and prayers are with you all... The Rowe Family

Written by N2ancy Rowe
2012-12-30 5:15:57 PM

Dear Dawn and Family,
We are Truly Sorry for the sudden lose of your Dad. You are in Our Thoughts and Prayers.God Bless, Denise and Rob Phillips

Written by Denise and Rob phillips
2012-12-30 8:24:16 PM

Dear Felicia and family;
Just this morning I spoke with dad (Uncle Paul Stanford) and he told me of Ray's acident. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Pat Stanford Kocher

Written by Pat Kocher
2012-12-31 1:52:11 PM

Sorry so we could not make it to the funeral. We we shocked to hear of Rays passing. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. God bless all your family in this time of sorrow.

Written by Bill and Pat Burgess
2012-12-31 3:28:13 PM

Felicia, Peggy and families,
I was so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Ray.
Or Butch, as we used to call him when we were all younger.
We had some big family get togethers when all the cousins (our parents) would gather with their families. It was a long time ago but I still remember them.
We drifted apart over the years but it was only a little over a year ago that I saw Ray last. My mother, Marion Hiller, and I were at a firemen's chicken bar-b-que and we saw him there. He recognized me right away, after all these years. His life had an effect on more people in Westfield than he probably was aware of, and he will be deeply missed.
Please know that I am thinking of you and you are all in my prayers.
Leslie (Hiller) Chundrlek

Written by Leslie Chundrlek
2012-12-31 8:19:34 PM

Peggy, Felicia and your entire families; so sorry to hear of Butch's passing. Praying for the Lord to comfort you at this time. Sympathy and prayers. Gary & Sue Bennett

Written by Sue Bennett
2013-01-02 11:18:05 AM

To the Lawson Family

I only just learned of your tragedy. Ray was also such a good neighbor, his instant smile and friendly wave was always welcome by the Eggert family. Our sympathy is with you now and always.

Written by Betty Eggert-Havryluk
2013-01-07 12:29:21 PM

We were so very sorry to learn of Ray's death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Jane and Jim Minton

Written by Jane Minton
2013-01-07 2:56:49 PM