T K Lawson
Practice founder dies after 40 years in the profession
Mr. Thomas Lawson died on 5 March 2007 after a short illness.

Admitted to the NZ Society of Accountants in 1966 Mr. Lawson purchased his block of clients from the former Farm Accounting Association.  This would begin a long history of dealing with the regions farmers.  He formed relations with them that stretched over decades and into three and four generations with families.

His relationships with his clients transcended into friendships which ultimately became the reason for his success.

He entered into a number of  business partnerships including Bruce Leighton of Ashburton.

He was early innovator when computer systems first became available.  It allowed him to produced some of the best understood accounts in the region and was an area he maintained a role of leadership in.

He also prided himself on the talented staff that worked beside him over the years.  Many of them who left over the years maintained regular contact with him.

Five years ago him he built a holiday home in Hanmer Springs and found that he loved the small town life.  He enjoyed creating a garden here.

Gardening was his strong interest and he was passionate about organics.  Other passions included playing the Clarinet, founded a geology group in South Canterbury, an active Potter, a maker of Stained glass windows and lanterns, and polishing of stones.

During the decades he was a member of Rotary, Lions, Probus and Bowling clubs.

In his 50's and 60's he undertook distance learning courses in Geology.

And finally in his late sixties he became a grandfather to Zoe and Lucy.

In his early years he trained as pilot, became an amateur radio operator, and worked as a technician for the NZ Broadcasting in Auckland.

Four weeks ago he was received into the Catholic Church.

His funeral was held at St Thomas's Church, Mountainview Road.