Inducted: November 19, 2024
Harry Lawson was an innovative and successful farmer who lived and farmed his whole life in Zone Township and devoted his time to working on issues that benefited the agricultural community.
Harry was born on September 1st, 1953 to William and Margaret Lawson. All Harry ever wanted to do was farm. He graduated Grade 12 and spent the rest of his life educating himself and sharing his knowledge. Harry married Chrisie DeBruyne in 1978 and they had three children, Brandon (Diane) Lawson, Tierney (Owen) Blythe, and Stefanie (Steve) Yeoman, and six grandchildren, whom Harry was immensely proud of. He passed away on February 7th, 2022.
Harry joined the Kent Federation of Agriculture in 1980 and spent 30 years serving the Federation and mentoring new directors. Though Harry was often encouraged to take roles in the spotlight, he felt he could contribute more in the background. Harry was an incredibly skilled researcher and was considered the KFA's 'legal beagle'.
Harry served as a District 2 (Chatham-Kent) Director of the Ontario Grain Farmers and as Treasurer from 2010 until his passing in 2022. Before serving on the Ontario Grain Farmers, he served as a Director of the Chatham-Kent Corn Board.
Harry worked to change rules, by-laws, and regulations to benefit the agricultural community. Harry raised awareness among landowners of the financial and environmental issues created by landowner interaction with the Oil and Gas Company operators. He served as an expert resource for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for gas line expropriation fair settlement at the Federal level. During this time, Harry worked with Lawyer Jed Chinneck, who referred to Harry as his mentor who helped him understand some of the complexity of oil and gas law. Harry devoted countless hours and tremendous effort to ensuring that landowners were treated fairly and equitably, and his work continues to benefit others today.
Neil Currie, retired OFA General Manager, said that Harry's advocacy for rural communities ranged across biosolids, water issues, municipal planning, infrastructure, electricity matters, and many other areas. He was never afraid to challenge authority or 'expertise'.
In 2011 and 2021, Harry received the Kent Federation of Agriculture Meritorious Award for significant and lasting impact on the agricultural community of Chatham-Kent. In 1998 and 2013, he received the Kent Federation of Agriculture Ed Campbell Memorial Award as KFA Director of the Year.
Harry was described as confident, thoughtful, and brave. He was a team player and someone who could bring calm to an agitated situation. Harry was a well-regarded and respected farmer, neighbour, friend, and businessman who continually stepped up to work on issues that benefited his community.
When reflecting on Harry Lawson, KFA President Jay Cunningham said that Lawson was a quiet warrior. He added that he was brilliant, very methodical, and an awesome resource for a number of agriculturalists all over Ontario.
"Harry could do research and provide support in a balanced and effective manner. It's a scarce and admirable quality to be able to do that. In his more than 25 years in the KFA, he provided leadership and guidance. He was a great mentor for people." Harry spent decades working with the Grain Farmers of Ontario and as a board member at the KFA before passing away in February 2022.
Clara and Louis Roesch said that 'Harry was an all-round wonderful guy'. Louis said that Harry was a runner and leader for gas line issues. The lawyer involved said, "Harry taught me how to do these cases. "When Hydro did not like the cost involved in expropriating the land, Louis pointed out to them how Harry had brought the farmers into an agreement, and that cooperation saved Hydro money.
Louis said he learned a lot from Harry and is continuing his work. He also inspired Louis to raise money for the hospital's heart area. Louis said that Harry's way was to listen first. He did not back down, and he was good at 'settling down a rowdy meeting'. Everybody liked him.
Louis also said that Harry could grow crops that no one else could, and he shared his knowledge generously. His payback was satisfaction.