Fraser

Longtime Fraser resident, Lions member dies

By Heidi Roman
C & G Staff Writer

Tony Lawson devoted his life to community service

FRASER — The Fraser Lions Carnival will have one less smile this summer.

Longtime member Robert Angus Lawson, better known as “Tony” to most, died March 31 after a 25-year battle with heart-related issues.

He’s leaving behind a legacy of Lions. On July 1, his grandson Matt Hemelberg will take the reins of the organization when he takes the oath as its new president.

Lawson, who died at the age of 70, lived in and around Fraser his whole life, and dedicated much of his time to the city in different capacities, especially when the Lions Carnival rolled around each year.

“We lost a true friend of the city,” said Councilman John Sexauer. “Tony was a dedicated resident of this city. He would always step up to the plate when anyone needed something.”

Lawson was known for building wheelchair ramps at the homes of handicapped residents around the community who couldn’t otherwise afford them.

“He was a retired carpenter, and he loved to tinker with the hammer and nails,” said Lawson’s son-in-law  Mark Hemelberg. “For most of the ramps he built, the Lions Club paid for the lumber and materials, and he volunteered his time.”

He was also instrumental in building the concession stands in Steffens Park, Hemelberg said. He was in the process of building a footbridge for the Lions Bear Lake Camp in Lapeer when he died. The bridge will be installed at the special needs summer camp to help children in wheelchairs get across a stream.

“He’s also been involved with putting on the Lions (carnival),” Hemelberg said. “He was big in setting that up, arranging the different rides and stuff.”

Lions Club member Gregg Smith said Lawson and current President Dale Moase head up the club’s Carnival Committee.

“He will surely be missed in that respect,” Smith said. “He has been organizing our carnival for a very long time.”

Lawson brought his son-in-law into the club in 1971.

“I’ve always believed it is important to be a part of the community,” said Hemelberg, who owns A-OK Cooling and Heating. “I think Tony was a very outstanding member and very outgoing as far as donating his time, but most of the Lions do the same thing. That’s why we’re here.”

Hemelberg’s son, Matt, the incoming president of the club, has been a member for more than two years. He said his grandfather inspired him to join, and he’s been working with the club and helping at the carnival for years.

Lawson received the Lions Melvin Jones Award and held many offices during his 44 years in the club.

Lawson was also on the city’s Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, which Hemelberg said kept him busy after he could no longer work. Lawson suffered a heart attack at the age of 45 when he was working as a carpenter hanging doors. He was lucky to survive it, Hemelberg said.

Lawson, who graduated from Fraser High School in 1956, leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Sally, three married daughters, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Fraser City Council had a moment of silence at the April 9 meeting for Lawson.

“(Lawson) was the kind of person who makes Fraser such a special place to live,” said Mayor Moe Geromette.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Heidi Roman at hroman@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5006.