Obituary for Thomas Walter "Tom" Lawson II
Thomas Walter Lawson II, 58, lost his lifelong battle with diabetes on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born on September 25, 1963, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, he was the son of Thomas Walter and Donajean (Jacobson) Lawson and husband to Sue (Spaulding) Lawson for 21 years.
Tom was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of six and fought long and hard until the end. He passed peacefully, with his wife Sue at his side, while listening to some of his favorite music (Flash Light by Parliament). At around 9 p.m., he smiled at Sue, drifted off, and stepped aboard the Mothership Connection for the last time. He is now dancing across the heavens, free from the pain and suffering he endured for so long.
He attended school in Ann Arbor, graduating from Huron High School in 1981.
For over 23 years (1987-2010), Tom worked at the University of Michigan Hospital. He was proud to be a maintenance mechanic, a job that earned him many friends on the hospital campus. He was also proud of the small engine repair certificate he earned from Washtenaw Community College, using the knowledge gained there to enrich his hobbies and interests.
An avid outdoorsman, Tom began hunting at the age of twelve. He quickly discovered that the family dog, an Irish Setter named Shannon, made an excellent bird dog. Together they quickly cleared the nearest field of pheasant, woodcock, and rabbit. He loved fishing year-round and amassed a collection of fishing gear that many would find hard to beat. Some of his happiest moments were on a boat “killin’ it,” as he would say.
Some of his other interests were tractors, woodworking, power tools, small engines, music, birdwatching, and upholstery. The last was a fourth-generation skill learned and carried on from his father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Tom is survived by his wife Sue of Pinckney, parents Tom and Dona of Ann Arbor, brother David and his wife Kelly (McBride) of Brighton, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be missed by his beloved dog, Clara.
A spring memorial service is planned to remember Tom’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org.
Tom was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of six and fought long and hard until the end. He passed peacefully, with his wife Sue at his side, while listening to some of his favorite music (Flash Light by Parliament). At around 9 p.m., he smiled at Sue, drifted off, and stepped aboard the Mothership Connection for the last time. He is now dancing across the heavens, free from the pain and suffering he endured for so long.
He attended school in Ann Arbor, graduating from Huron High School in 1981.
For over 23 years (1987-2010), Tom worked at the University of Michigan Hospital. He was proud to be a maintenance mechanic, a job that earned him many friends on the hospital campus. He was also proud of the small engine repair certificate he earned from Washtenaw Community College, using the knowledge gained there to enrich his hobbies and interests.
An avid outdoorsman, Tom began hunting at the age of twelve. He quickly discovered that the family dog, an Irish Setter named Shannon, made an excellent bird dog. Together they quickly cleared the nearest field of pheasant, woodcock, and rabbit. He loved fishing year-round and amassed a collection of fishing gear that many would find hard to beat. Some of his happiest moments were on a boat “killin’ it,” as he would say.
Some of his other interests were tractors, woodworking, power tools, small engines, music, birdwatching, and upholstery. The last was a fourth-generation skill learned and carried on from his father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Tom is survived by his wife Sue of Pinckney, parents Tom and Dona of Ann Arbor, brother David and his wife Kelly (McBride) of Brighton, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be missed by his beloved dog, Clara.
A spring memorial service is planned to remember Tom’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org.