George D. "Durk" Lawson

Uxbridge- George D. “Durk” Lawson, 81, of Sutton St. passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday June 20, 2023, after an illness.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years Denise B. (Wallingford) Lawson, his two children Brad Lawson and his wife Jennifer of Medfield, MA, and Tara Gill and her husband Charles of Avon, CT, his two stepdaughters, Shannon Niziolek and her husband David of Berea, Ohio and Kayla Desgrosseilliers and her husband Stephen of Bridgewater, MA.  Durk is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, which he loved seeing at his annual pool party: Delaney Lawson, Remy Lawson, Caleb Lawson, Wesley Lawson, Harrison Gill, Tucker Gill, Macy Gill, Patrick Niziolek, Alex Niziolek, Jacob Desgrosseilliers, and Adalyn Desgrosseilliers.   He is also survived by his brother Stephen Lawson of Corvallis, Oregon; his sister Lyn Cunningham and her husband Pete of North Port, FL; and his nephew Jack Cuningham and wife Kimberly of Sharpsburg, Georgia, and his niece Lisa Sheldon and husband James of Piedmont, Oklahoma.  Durk was predeceased by a brother John “Jack” Lawson who was killed in Vietnam.

Born in Salem, MA on Feb. 21, 1942, he was the son of Sven and Geraldine (Durkee) Lawson. He was raised in Topsfield, MA and moved to Standish, Maine with his first wife, Wendy, to raise their children, Brad and Tara.  Later in life, Durk settled in Uxbridge with his current wife, Denise, where he raised two stepdaughters, Shannon and Kayla, and remained there for the rest of his years.

Mr. Lawson worked as a Materials Manager for the GTE Sylvania Co. in Standish, ME for 30 years. He also worked several years for Cold Chain Technologies in Franklin, MA before finally retiring. He was a graduate of Masconomet Regional High School, St. Lawrence University where he earned a degree in math and economics, and received his master's degree in business from Boston University. While at St. Lawrence, he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, belonged to the Army ROTC Program, and met longtime friends Dave Niles, Pete Rogalin, and Floyd Adams. He served in the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Vietnam Conflict with the 82 Airborne and 105th Howitzer Divisions. He left the military at the rank of Captain.

Durk enjoyed the outdoors his entire life, whether it be canoeing down the Saco River, camping with his family, gardening or just grilling by the pool.  He had a passion for fishing and hunting, as seen by the various trophy fish he had around the house.  He treasured his trips to Labrador to catch the big ones, and he was an active member of the Uxbridge Rod and Gun Club. 

Durk took great pride in all his children’s life accomplishments and his grandchildren's accomplishments both in athletics and in the classroom. Durk enjoyed his life fully and will be deeply missed and never forgotten.  

His Memorial Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 29 at 2 pm in Tancrell-Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Rd. Uxbridge. Memorial calling hours will be held prior to his service from noon until 2 pm. Cremation burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield MA will be at a later date. Memorial donations in Durk’s memory may be made to: the Uxbridge Rod and Gun Club, Trout Restocking Fund, 560 West St. Uxbridge, MA 01569. To leave a condolence message for his family please visit www.jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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