Obituary of John Allan Lawes

John (Jack) Allan Lawes was born in Viking on January 30, 1941 the eldest of five children born to Jack (Sr) and Ethel Lawes. In 1954, a new family moved across the road from the Lawes family. One of the members of that family was a pretty little girl, named Donna Watt. In 1961, he married Donna, and to that union they were blessed with 3 children, Shelley, Dean, and Marty. Jack's first exposure to auctioneering, which led to a life time career, was when he went to work for Don Hutton. He loved the auction business and sold in the following Auction Markets: Vegreville, Lloydminster, Vermilion, and Killam. He had the distinction of being a "self-taught, award winning" auctioneer. In 1976, he moved his family to Provost and bought shares in the Provost Livestock Exchange. This passion for the cattle business remained with him until he passed away. His many loves also included rodeo, hockey, team roping, fishing, and being present in his family's lives. He was an outstanding, proud and generous father & grandpa; cherishing his children and grandchildren. They were the absolute joys in his life! In November 2011, when Jack was diagnosed with cancer, he had his own unique way of dealing with this. He believed each day was a gift and was truly grateful for every day that he was given. His positive attitude was an inspiration to us all. This is the legacy that he left for his family and friends. Jack passed away peacefully at 72 years of age on Friday, November 29, 2013 with his family by his side, at the Provost Health Centre. Left to carry on Jack's legacy is his wife of 52 years, Donna; daughter, Shelley Lawes; sons, Dean (Bernadette) Lawes and Marty Lawes; grandchildren, Tyler, Josh (Lisa), Brittney, Sarah, Casey, Jesse, Taylor and Cauy; siblings, Irene (Bud) Graham, Rosalie Lawes (Ron Banks), Melvin (Anita) Lawes and Lenny Lawes; uncle, Snuffy Lawes; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack Sr. & Ethel Lawes.