It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Kevin Lawyer, who departed this life peacefully on April 27 at the age of 69. John was born in St Albans on May 3, and just six days shy of the big 7-0!

John was one of five siblings born and raised in St Albans. He attended local schools and after high school, he was employed at Digital Equipment Corporation as a Software Programmer several years before retiring.

John was proud of his Abenaki heritage and his love of Abenaki drumming. John “Greywolf” had a great love for nature and animals and a love for the land he lived on. For several years he played the drum and rattle for several Abenaki ceremonies. John was also a talented artist and craftsman. He made drums and other native American replicas.

John had a passion for games and a playful spirit, which often led him to enjoy his visits to the casino. He was well known in his community by many. He will be remembered as a gentle soul that was full of love and compassion.

John was known for his quick wit and gentle nature. His legacy of kindness, generosity and love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. John lived his life believing that the way to live life is to go out of your way to help those in need.

John is survived by his children, Jamie Kae of Largo, Florida, his son, Jesse Kane of St Albans, grandchildren Charlotte and Crosby, siblings Thomas, Sally, Timothy, David and his partner Jeri, niece Krista Chamberlin and husband Dave, nephew Jason, great nephews Dominick and Max, great niece Alyssa and partner Josh, godson Leslie McIntyre and special friends Barb Gilbeau, Mike and Betty Morris and feline companion Mya. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Catherine Lawyer, his wife Patrice, sister-in-law Kelly, nephew Jeremy and cousin John Rushford.

John will truly be missed by all that had the honor and pleasure of knowing him.

As per John’s wishes, there will be no service. John would be pleased to see others live their lives spreading kindness and helping others in need.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

“When you lose someone, you love, you gain an angel that you know.” John, you will be missed by all who knew you.

Donations can be made in John’s memory to the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, 100 Grand Avenue, Swanton, Vermont 05488 or the Franklin County Senior Center, 75 Messenger Street, St. Albans, Vermont 05478.

Honored to be serving the family of John Lawyer is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.