Don Clifford Lawson
October 9, 1925 - December 21, 2001

Don Clifford Lawson, 76, of Butte, Montana and Lynwood, Washington, died in Seattle on December 21, 2001, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 9th, 1925 in Livingston, Montana, to Oscar and Beatrice Hiatt) Lawson of Jardine, Montana. Don leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Jane (Treiber); his precious daughter, Tana and her husband Gunther Baumier (Bothell, Washington); sons and their wives: Michael and Annette (Butte, Montana); Terrance and Kime (College Place, Washington); Brad (Butte, Montana); Mark and Tina (Seattle, Washington); Bret and Lisa (North River, New York); brothers, Dale (Riverside, California), and Howard and Delmay (Butte, Montana); sisters in-law, Ellen and Ed Rohret (Butte, Montana) and Karen Butler (Rainier, Oregon): 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grand-children; also numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and parents in-law, Arthur and Gertrude Treiber. Don grew up in Jardine, Montana newar Yellowstone National Park, where his life of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation began. Early graduation from Livingston High School saw Don enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and in action within the South Pacific theatre of WWII. At Iwo Jima, where he served as a radio artillary man, he witnessed the famous flag being raised in victory on Mt. Suribachi. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

A retired field agent for the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, Don was well known and respected in the mining industry. He was often referred to as Montana's "Mr. Mining". He wrote numerous mining publications, was editor of the Annual MBMG mining directory, tuaght mining short courses, and was an assayer, field geologist, geochemist, surveyor and advisor. He was an organizer and charter member of the Montana Mining Association and acted as liaison officer to the state. He was a honored recipient of the "Uno Sahinen Silver Medallion Award" for his contribution to the industry. Don also delighted in working beside his daughter Tana and the crew at the Maltby Cafe.

Every year, Don looked forward to the annual gathering and camaraderi of the "Cat Creek Social Club and Hunting Camp" in the Centennial Mountains, with his loyal and cherished friends and members of the "Lawson Clan". Don actively served in his community with Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls and was a member of the American Legion. Most importantly, for over 50 years he was an active member of Gold Hill Lutheran Church of Butte, Montana, and for the last ten years he was an active member of St. Peter by the Sea Lutheran in Edmonds, WAshington.

Don was a Christian man who practiced his faith, setting a good example for all who kenw him. His love, thoughtfulness and caring made him an outstanding husband, father, grandpa and friend. He knew that he was going home to the Lord and hoped to be able to watch over his loved ones from there. He was a blessing to all and he will continue to be an inspiration and will be greatly missed.

"Tap-er-light" Dad!

Memorials may be made to Gold Hill Lutheran Church, St Peter by the Sea Lutheran Church, Northwest Hospital-Hospice Unit of Seattle, the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.