It is with profound sadness that the family announce the death of Will after many years of struggling valiantly with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his best friend and soul mate Elizabeth Carveth, his daughter Mariann Gordon (Russ), his son Doug (Susan) and his four grandchildren Mackenzie, James, Abbie and Alex. Will was predeceased by his parents Harry and Grace Lawrie. He will be dearly missed by his sister-in-law Catherine Dibben and brother-in-law David Toole (Karen) and his extended family and many friends.

Will was born in Toronto where he attended Humberside Collegiate and the University of Toronto before completing his teaching training and joining the Toronto Board of Education as an elementary teacher. After a few years he moved to the City of York Board of Education where he worked until he retired in 1995. With the York Board, he was a teacher at Rockcliffe Senior School, a vice principal at George Harvey Secondary School, and a principal at Rawlinson Community School and J.R. Wilcox Community School. During this time he was on the Board of Trustees of the Ontario Teachers’ Insurance Plan (OTIP), having been a founding member. Over the years he was also very active in both OSSTF and OPSMTF (public secondary and elementary teacher federations).

After retirement he shared his educational leadership with the Art Gallery of Ontario as acting head of the Education Department. Shortly after he served as Administrative Lead for the Education Quality and Accountability Office’s (EQAO) initial in-service program for teacher markers. He finished his career as a consultant with the Toronto District School Board. Will and Elizabeth travelled extensively around the world and enjoyed many happy times with friends and family at their cottage on Clear Lake. Will loved theatre and music, and spending time with family and friends over a good glass of red wine or single malt.

Will was extremely proud of his children and the fine adults they had become. He was thrilled when grandchildren were added to his life and loved hearing about their exploits as well as sharing stories and jokes with them.

Will was a kind, generous person with a great sense of humour, who especially loved puns and wordplay. He read the paper every day of his adult life and was particularly fond of the crossword puzzles. Will loved to sail, having been introduced to the sport by his friend “Skipper Bob” with whom he raced in his younger years and cruised for several decades. Will was a great cook who will be remembered for his BBQ feasts, cottage brunches and his beef wellington, among other culinary delights.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the kind, caring and professional staff on 3-West North at Kensington Gardens who truly made a positive difference during Will’s last few years.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future with family and close friends. In lieu of flowers you may donate to one of the many charities that Will supported including Kids Help Phone, Habitat for Humanity and Doctors Without Borders.