WWII veteran who fostered a love of outdoor adventures

BERLIN, N.H. — Mr. Philip Carter Lawson passed away peacefully at St. Vincent’s de Paul Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Berlin, New Hampshire, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the age of 99.

Phil was born on August 22, 1924, in Medford, Mass., to Warren P. and Rena M. Lawson. He attended Moses Brown High School and graduated from Colby College, Waterville, Maine, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

A World War II veteran, Phil served in the Air Corps as a flight engineer. Phil served as an inspiration to his children and grandchildren, fostering a love for family, the outdoors, and skiing. An avid hunter, fly fisherman, but most notably, skier, he volunteered for the Eastern Slope Ski Club and taught in the Mountaineers program at Attitash Mountain for 10 years. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren fondly referred to him as “Pip,” a name adopted by many.

Phil had a successful career with Sears Roebuck & Company as a Retail Division Manager and Operating Superintendent. Phil’s strong work ethic and business experience helped strengthen brand recognition to Sears in the New England states of Maine and Connecticut and the Boston and Greater Boston areas. Phil relocated his family to these areas and over the years developed strong, lifelong relationships with neighbors and friends and countless joyful memories.

After retiring from Sears, Phil became the owner of The Valley Ice Company, in Bartlett, N.H., expanding the business to service the Carroll and Coos County, small business merchandisers and restaurant businesses. After the sale of Valley Ice Company, Phil worked for the Eagle Mountain Resort as a Golf Starter, often stating, “I have the best job in the valley!” During winter months, Phil welcomed visitors to Attitash Bear Peak Ski resorts, where he worked as a shuttle driver and during summers, served as a tour guide for his entrepreneurial business known as Mountain Tales and Trails, sharing his love for the Mt. Washington Valley with visitors during the peak tourism and foliage seasons. In his later years, Phil enjoyed spending hours on his deck, reading and watching the river he loved, as well as observing birds, especially hummingbirds.

Known for his optimistic view of life, he was a gentle and patient man, offering meaningful and poignant words when he spoke. He loved anything lobster, and a glass of wine or two. He loved his family and friends. He is survived by his three children, Warren Peter Lawson and his wife Tanya from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Mary Seymour and her husband Len Seymour of Glen, New Hampshire, and Anne Kebler and her husband Bob Kebler of Intervale, New Hampshire, formerly of North Reading.

Phil leaves behind his cherished grandchildren and their families and partners: Ami and Steve Powers, Jennifer Kebler and Paul Rahn, Kris and Cait Kebler, Kristen and Joey Miller, Anna Lawson and Niels Verbeke, and Katherine Lawson and Djalt Baculalay. Phil was also much loved by nephews and cousins and his extended family in the UK and Australia. Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren, Alex, Olivia, and Emma Powers, Annabelle, Hailey, and Cowan Campbell, and Elyse Miller. Phil is survived by his sister-in-law, Louise Hebert, of Wilmington, North Carolina, and is predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Florette H. Lawson, of Glen, New Hampshire, and sister Sally Morgan, of Los Angeles, California.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at St. Vincent’s for their care not only to Phil but to all residents. Their experience and compassion were evident throughout Phil’s last days, providing comfort and solace to the family during this time.

A graveside ceremony will be held in the spring for family and close friends, followed by a celebration of life for all who wish to remember him and the fond memories we share. Details will be published in the Conway Daily Sun. In celebration of his life, donations can be made to Eastern Slope Ski Club (PO Box 348, North Conway, NH 03860) or St. Vincent de Paul Rehabilitation and Nursing Center – Garden Fund (29 Providence Ave, Berlin, NH 03570).

Arrangements are entrusted to The Furber and White Funeral Home in North Conway.