metro
Still Going Strong
Victor Lawson might retire at 100.
loved getting the advertising exposure!
In the mid-1970s, Mac-O-Lac sold
their business, and Lawson started
working for a company that manufac-
ictor Lawson's enthusiasm for
tures paint supplies. That is where he
life hasn't diminished a bit
continues to work today, putting in any-
despite the fact that he will be
where
from 10-30 hours a week.
turning 98 in a couple of months. His
"My
dad has some of the same cus-
beloved family, his passion for sports
tomers
that
he had in his early years,
and his job where he has been working
only
now
he
is dealing with their sons
steadily for 81 years are what keep him
or
grandsons',' said Lawson's
going strong.
son,
Larry. "My dad never
Lawson lives on his own,
lost
a
customer in all those
residing at his condomini-
years.
All his customers love
um in West Bloomfield. He
him."
exercises almost daily, eating
Lawson married his wife,
healthy meals and keeping
Mayme,
in 1935. They were
a kosher home. "I am just
married
for
62 years until
so glad that at my age I still
she
passed
away
15 years
have all my marbles',' he said
ago.
with a grin.
"Mayme was a great lady,'
Born in Montreal,
he
recalled. "She was an
Canada, on July 20, 1914,
Victor Law son
entertainer
and sang with
Lawson was the second
Danny
Thomas.
In
the
'50s
and '60s, we
oldest of five children. He was raised in
entertained
together
doing
shows
for the
an Orthodox home, but when he was 8,
Oak
Park
Follies
and
also
for
B'nai
B'rith.
the family moved to Detroit to get away
We
golfed,
bowled
and
traveled
together.
from anti-Semitism."There was always
so much fighting going on when we lived We had an amazing life.
"Mayme and I raised a wonderful
in Montreal;' said Lawson, who was so
family
(including four children, six
relieved when they moved to Detroit.
grandchildren
and 13 great-grandchil-
"I was a very athletic kid. You name it
... baseball, handball, football, I played it dren). I have the best kids in the world.
all. In intermediate school, I won decath- They are all honest, respectful people
who I am very proud of7
lons for broad jump, hurdles, distance
Lawson's grandchildren all attend
throwing and relays. I played sports all
Hillel
Day School in Farmington Hills.
my life, and to this day.I am a big Detroit
He
has
set up a scholarship fund at the
Tigers fan."
school in memory of has late wife.
Lawson always had a strong work
"Giving while you're living is my
ethic. "I worked my whole life begin-
,' he said.
motto'
ning at the age of 8 selling popcorn for
Even when he isn't working, Lawson
10 cents a bag at the hockey forum in
keeps busy. "I don't like sitting around','
Montreal',' he said. He also worked at
he said. "In fact, I recently hosted a birth-
A&P, Kroger and Eastern Market when
day party for my 75-year-old son, Noel.
he was younger. "When I was 14, dur-
"I also have a very nice girlfriend,
ing the [Great] Depression, I worked for
Arline. After our first date, I waited a
a butcher shop every Saturday for 12
couple of weeks to call her. I wanted to
hours."
play it cool! Seriously though, I don't care
Lawson was the first employee at
how much a person has loved his spouse,
Mac-O-Lac Paint (which grew to be one
everybody needs someone to hold hands
of the largest and most successful paint
companies in Southeastern Michigan) in or go to the movies with. It doesn't mat-
1931 and later became part owner. "I was ter how old you get, a person gets lonely
and needs companionship.
a real innovator," said Victor, who manu-
"I've had a wonderful life ... a great
factured and sold paint for 40 years.
run. When I reach 100 years old, I plan
"Instead of giving my business cus-
on retiring from this job and then I'll
tomers a 10 percent discount when they
look for something else."
bought a large paint order, I would buy
It certainly doesn't appear as though
them a brand new truck! In those early
Victor will be slowing down anytime
days, trucks only cost about $800. I
soon. ❑
would deliver the customer a new truck
with their company name printed right
Know a senior (80 or older) in the
on the bumper along with our Mac-
community who has an interesting adventure
0-Lac name painted all over the truck
or story to share about their life? Contact
as well. Everyone was happy ... the
Sue Pearl at: susanpearlwrites@gmail.com .
customer loved their new truck, and we
Sue Pearl
Special to the Jewish News
V
-Dan and
Nori Braude,
enjoying life at
Fox Run since
2003
For affordable retirement living, no place compares to
Fox Run in Novi. Practically all of your expenses, including
property taxes, utilities and an unmatched staff to serve you,
are covered by a single check you write just once- -a month
for a set amount. And since every apartment home is main-
tenance-free, you never have to worry about costly surprise
repairs or replacements again.
Discover how carefree and
economical life at Fox Run in Novi
will be! Call 1-800-306-2814
today for your free 25-page brochure.
20
May 24 • 2012