Westmount, Quebec – 27 March 2017: The RMR will be planting a maple tree in front of their armoury on 30 April 2017 to honour the memory of Colonel (ret’d) Rhett Lawson, CD, KH, KLJ. The ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saint-Catherine street immediately upon the Regiment’s return from their annual church parade, at approximately 11h30.
Lawson was a former Commanding Officer (1967-70), Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (1979-84), and Honorary Colonel (1984-90) of The Royal Montreal Regiment (and former Commander of District 1, a precursor to 34 GBC). Comrade Lawson was also a member of the RMR Association (Br. 14).
Colonel Lawson was long considered the soul of the Regiment, and his counsel was sought on all matters. His thirst for knowledge was unquenchable and he kept himself up to date with regards to weapons, tactics, leadership, uniforms, deployments, vehicles, etc.
A special tree marker has been designed to resemble a World War One fence post, and Colonel Lawson’s memory will be upheld with a plaque affixed to the tree marker for future generations to read.