William B. Lawson
December 14, 1941 - February 5, 2015

"Bill will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and giving way. A one of a kind! Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the entire Lawson family. "

"For those that could not attend, I know you wish you could have been there and were there in thought and in prayer. So here is a summary of the memorial, from my perspective. It was a very positive memorial. There were 3 very distinct parts to the memorial: before, during and after the ceremony. We mingled in the foyer before the ceremony. It was great to see everyone there. It felt like a reunion. I got a chance to talk to several old friends, but could not possibly talk to everyone I wanted to. The service itself was very moving. Dede did a great job with a very heartfelt opening prayer. It helped me immediately transition from the joy of seeing old friends to grief over the loss of Bill. Both the joy and the grief are necessary and welcome. Photos of Bill with family and friends (and fish) were synchronized to music between the tributes people gave. Noah gave a very touching tribute that painted a vivid picture of who Bill Sr. (Papa) was and the impact he had on so many lives. Wyatt and Alex had written and recorded a very touching song for Bill. It made me cry. I want a copy of that song. "Proud" may not exactly the right word, but I felt proud of Wyatt for the pooring his heart into the lyrics of that song. Several of the grandkids stood up while a few of them took turns to read selected verses from Romans 12, Hebrews 11 and 1 Corinthians 13. Richard gave his tribute in the form of memories and stories of his big brother. Many of them were funny. All of them showed the love and respect he had for Bill. Lastly, Gary read his tribute to Bill Sr. and to Billy. From it flowed wisdom and healing. It was clear that he put a lot of time, thought and anguish into his words. I had to ask him if the first half was a professionally written piece, because it was so well written. Between the words of Gary's tribute, I hear him facing the hard realities with courage. Again, "proud" is not the right word, but the closest I can think of. I am "proud" of Gary and the very difficult but powerful thing he did for himself, his family and friends. After the ceremony, I had a chance to talk to others. The mood after such a powerful memorial was less like a reunion and more like a chance to mutually console each other. I heard over and over what a good man and what a great man Bill was. There is a difference between good and great and Bill was both. This memorial brought just what I think a memorial is supposed to: tears, laughter, joy, sorrow, love, grief and the celebration of a good life."

"I was at Lawson for 5 years and bill and the entire family set a culture of service, client focus and love of family. He was a great man. My deepest sympathy to all of the Lawson's."

"Bill was one of a kind. The Lawson family gave me my start in the tech industry back in 1990. I still remember my very first meeting with Bill in person in his office. I was charged, by Damon Lawson, with taking on the company customer satisfaction survey and crunching the data on the results. I needed the expertise of one of Lawson's senior developers, Joe Faltesek, to accomplish that task back in those early days of PC computing. Bill said to make sure we used Joe's time wisely and Joe and I took him up on it and worked through the night to get the job done. Bill inspired me and many others to do our best in everything we do. Thanks for the opportunity Bill."

"My husband Larry and I got to know Bill up at lake of the woods where he shared his love for fishing and the outdoors. He shared his boat, his bait, and his smile.....especially when he would hook into a nice walleye! What a wonderful man. He will be missed! God bless you!"

"Bill's humble leadership was the foundation of the Lawson culture and why so many of us worked there for years and years. We all will miss Bill."

"Ruth and the entire Lawson family, our deepest sympathy for your loss of a wonderful Good Guy. Bill was one of the most humble servant leaders we have ever known. So generous, kindhearted, and loved by all who knew him. We have many fond memories of Bill going back to the days of Blaine H.S. and watching the kids play basketball, but one of our fondest is from the GGO golf event. The first few years they actioned off the first table to go eat at the dinner. Bill would always be the high bidder and win, not to be first but to give more money to GGO. A couple years several of us got together to try and out bid Bill, but he still would keep bidding until he won. What a generous soul. He will be greatly missed by all of us, but never forgotten. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Lawson family. May God blessings and peace be with all of you during this difficult time. Love you all. Doug & Cathy"

"Some of my most cherished memories are of Bill and I developing software at H Brooks late ate at night - Play good guy bad guy when selling of course I was always the bad guy - Stopping at Bill & Ruth's after work and enjoying the lemonade hat Ruth always had ready - There is so much more - Rest in peace my friend"

"It has been an incredible blessing and honor to get to know Bill and the Lawson family. You've shown us so much kindness and love and we are forever grateful. Our kids loved you, Bill and will always cherish their wonderful memories with you. Praying for strength. We love you. The Crandell family"

"Bill, Great leader you wear to so many that ever got to know you. Lucky for me to work at his company and get to know Bill Sr. Fishing in Canada was one of the best times I can recall. What peace and serenity. No stores no electron devices for a week. Will miss you Bill. Sorry for your loss of a wonderful person. "

"Bill was an amazing teacher, leader, employer. Working at Lawson software changed my life. I remember my first meeting and Bill came and sat on the floor in the back of the room. I couldn't believe it - but that is how he was - humble and caring. My condolences to the family."

"Going to work for Lawson Software was a life-changing event for me. It wasn't long before I met Bill and was amazed by his ability to remember people and their names. He met my husband once at an event and greeted him warmly by name, from then on. I feel fortunate to have experienced Bill's caring leadership. I still laugh when I remember the annual dinner where the magician chose Bill as his subject, aka victim, and Bill was such a good sport and went along with it. Bill is gone too soon, was loved and will be missed by so many!"

"I learned one of the most useful tools in life and business, both at the same time, from you; the art of listening. I remember complaining once about how hard it was to know whether you've communicated what's needed and expected in a job to delegates. You said "What I like to do is--and it makes things easy for me, which is why I like it--is to ask how THEY would do the job. Then I'd just listen. Sometimes I'd even change my mind on what I thought a minute ago." It was a nice way of saying "don't talk too much or be too full or yourself." Be humble. You carried that well, and it's a very admirable trait that carries remarkably consistently throughout your family. Really gonna miss you, Bill Sr. So glad to have known you."

"Employee # 45 here. Hired the same day as Brad Preston by Jerry, I got to know Bill real well. When I saw this picture of Bill holding that fish, my mind immediately went back to one of those fishing trips where, somehow, I ended up paired with Bill in the boat. The pressure was on for me to find a spot for Bill to catch a fish and eventually we found a few. Bill was a wonderful person to work for and with. He always seemed to know just the right words to say as illustrated in all these memories. My most memorable quote from Bill was "Customers always want to know what date we are going to get it done and deliver it to them. The answer is, we will deliver it when we know it is ready to deliver." He would add "Customers will forget if you deliver it late but they will always remember if what you delivered did not work." Most of all, I am proud to say I fished with Bill and knew him to be a genuine and honorable man at all times. A loss for all those that knew him, he will live on in our memories. "

"Bill was my first boss at Lawson and got me started in COBOL programming on GAS II Accounts Receivable. I got to go on one fishing trip with the team and I remember it snowed the next morning. As usual, I didn't catch anything (similar for me to most fishing trips I've been on), but as you can see from the picture on this webpage, Bill always caught a bunch! I appreciated his concern for our customers, and I've tried to live my career by one of his favorite company mottos: "Get a customer and keep them forever!" I remember Bill walking around the office at 3:30 PM on a Friday before a holiday and saying "OK everyone, it's a holiday weekend. Just work a couple more hours and then take off early!" The last few years I've tried to carry on that tradition (to the audible groans of many employees)! Needless to say, Bill was an important influence in my career at Lawson, and he's been deeply appreciated."

"Bill Lawson and Jerry Snyder hired me at an Embers restaurant near highway 100 and 494 in April 1978. There was no office then. Jerry said to Bill, "I think Richard will like this guy." And I wondered who Richard might be. Well Jerry was right, Richard and I got along fine, but for those first five years or so Bill and I worked together on a daily basis on the early accounts: H. Brooks, Dart Transit, Hawkeye Wholesale and others. We worked hard, put in long hours, and made sure the customers were happy to pay us. Those memories of building up the company are very happy, and I would not part with them. May God bless you Bill with a bon voyage. "Grace, mercy and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ." 2 John 1:3 "

"I remember Bill as an amazing man. He gave me a shot and hired me back in 1982 that turned into 15 plus great years with Lawson Software. Bill gave me many opportunities over the years, believing in me, providing a rich breadth of experience that wasn't always appreciated on my part. Working with him, Richard, John Cerullo, Gary, Greg, Darren, Bill Jr. was ever an adventure, always a learning experience and definitely played a significant role in shaping me.. And today, without that foundation, my life would be different and the work I do at Feed My Starving Children would probably not be possible because I would not have the tools Bill helped to develop. I am sure many others (witness all the memories shared here and lives touched) had Bill provide significant influence in shaping their lives. God bless you Bill and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with the Lawson family at this time!"

"Another Angel has been sent home. I started at Lawson in 1996 when we were still at the old Broadway East building. The entire company resided in only a few floors in the whole building. Bill was an amazing, down to earth guy who always made you feel comfortable. I don't know if he realized how his casual strolls through the office and small talk with us added to our commitment and dedication as employees. It meant a lot! I was in awe of this man in a flannel shirt who created an empire built on family, honesty, integrity and topped off with a touch of humor! "

"I am so sorry to hear about Bill, he was such a great person. Bill, Richard and John brought out the best for many young people starting their careers. While I worked at Lawson I had the privilege of having Damon , Darren, Joan, and Gregg work for me. On those days where I might have been have been having problems with one of the "boys", I'd visit Bill ,we'd close his office door and have a heart to heart. Usually he told me I could figure it out and to do what I had to do. On my way out he'd remind me I was the best paid babysitter in the world...and he was paying the babysitter. Then I'd get a big smile from him. A couple of my favorite memories, of which there are many was a day with a photo shoot for a new brochure. That meant a make-over with makeup on the management team. That was a fun day. Almost as much fun as a day at Loring park where we shot a opening show for the conference. That day Bill & Richard played the roles of Bartel & James. How many executives would do that? When we got press, bought new pens, new literature or whatever Bill would ask me if I sent it to his folks. Bill was all about family. I have never worked for such a family feeling company and it all started from the top down. Bill will a mentor, friend and an all-around good guy and touched more peoples lifes than the family can imagine. My sympathy to the Ruth, Darren, Damon, Gary, Gregg and the rest of the family. As Dr. Seuss once said " Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." "

"Memories, where are they stored? In our hearts, that's where. I'll always remember Bill's smile. He had a very kind and generous soul. Being hired at Lawson was my first a Official career. Although I didn't know what I was getting myself into, I'm glad that God led me to Lawson Software back in 1997. Besides working alongside of Bill's son Greg Lawson, which was in itself a blast, running into Bill in the hallways around the office was great too. He always had a smile and was so easy to talk to. My husband also worked at Lawson, before he was my husband that is. One year he had the pleasure of being on Bill's Golf team in the annual golf tournament. He got paired up to ride in the golf cart with Bill. OH MAN! He was also lucky enough to be the driver for Bill in that cart. They put their bags on the back of the cart and my husband stepped on the gas. CRASH!!! One of the bags fell off the back of the cart and everyone started teasing Bill saying "Is this your first time Golfing", "Are you new?". Bill never gave my husband a hard time about the whole thing. He was very gracious even though Bill didn't have any part in the debacle. Anyway, I'm so thankful to know the Lawson Family and I know that Bill will be so terribly missed by those near and far. Bill, you knew how to garner loyalty as others have so obviously shared here. Bless your family during this difficult time and always."

"I've included a couple candid shots of Papa Bill from the 1995 Lawson company picnic. Once you view them you will first of all giggle and then you will come to realize just how unique the man was. How many company VIP's would be so willing to show off their belly on a public beach? I also recall a time when we had a Halloween contest at work and Bill let us strap him to a dolly and wheel him around throwing confetti and blowing noise makers just so we could win a prize for best costume as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from the Cat in the Hat. He was funny, smart, ordinary, and at the same time extraordinary. My boys and I are happy for the time we were able to spend with Papa and the gift that he was to all of us. We will miss him so. "

"I was hired in 1981 as the first official receptionist. Bill took me out to lunch and explained to me what software was. " Remember the doll Chatty Cathy and the disk you slid in to have her talk? Well, think of the doll as a computer and the disk is the software." He was talking the right language to me, being an avid doll lover. I totally got it. I'll never forget him. My sincere condolences to the Lawson family and friends."

"I reflect on all these posts, and I smile.... Certain that's what Bill would want us to do, and chuckle. I remember all of you like it was yesterday.I have many memories, but one that comes to mind is his love for family. His own. And his Lawson family. I remember my first born running around in his office. 21 years ago..... Thanks, Bill. For believing in all of us "old timers". We always trusted and believed in you. Be blessed...."

"Our thoughts are with the Lawson family. All of us who had the pleasure to work with him share in your loss. Bill was the kind of man who inspired growth and confidence in us and in turn earned our dedication and loyalty. He set the bar when it came to respecting each of us. When it came to helping others, his humble approach and generous actions made him a giant among men in my eyes. Bill will be missed by many."

"Our condolences to the entire Lawson family. Bill had an endearing way about him, for sure. One time when a co-worker and I had been passed up for assignment to the next greatest thing about to happen at Lawson Software, I remember Bill stopped by and told both of us to keep heart and that what we were continuing to do was very important too. He called us "salty dogs" to cheer us up, and we had a good laugh."

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Bill was a good man, "

"I was the sixth woman hired at Lawson in 1981 launching a wonderful career for me. I'm grateful to Bill and Richard and John for creating a company that nurtured so many people in their careers. Lawson was a tech start-up before the term was coined. I left the company at the beginning of the dot-com boom in 1987. I had a wonderful experience there especially with all the young people just starting out. Everything these tributers say about Bill is true in regard to his down to earth and approachable personality. I also really liked Billy Jr. The two Bills were alike in so many ways. My sincere condolences to the Lawson family."

"William (Bill) Larson,,,since I messed up mu first attempt will try again! Spent over 20 years at Lawson...wonderful ple to work. Bill Lawson was tremendous leader and wonderful man. (All of the Lawsons were!) How can I say more! Bill Larson"

"Spent close to (Maybe more) years at Lawson. We the best people I ever worked for and Bill was one of the icons of my tenure there! Remember him most fondly...a truly square and honest guy! Will not forget!"

"Bill was one of a kind. I will always be grateful to him in so many ways, as will many others! A story that tells a lot is Bill's reaction to the throng of thousands at a Lawson User Conference at Disney. I came into the ballroom while a performance was on stage with thousands filling the room. Bill was standing by a door humbly in the shadows. I asked Bill what he thought of this amazing scene. His wry smile told so much - proud but humble, finding humor in all of life. He gave one of his typical understated responses that said way more than the words, "Not bad for a couple of Kansas farm boys!""

"My Memories goes way back. Watching him sit in the stands at Blaine Sr. High cheering on the basketball team! My Father was usually sitting next to him yelling - I am sure Bill was wishing he woudl move over a couple seats. Those were fun times. As I grew up - I found myself employed at Lawson. I feel so honored that I was able to work for Lawson Software - You could not find a better group of people to work with. Bill had a smile at all times - he just made you feel good and you wanted to work hard for him and the company. i pray for the family and I thank you for sharing him with all of us. "

"Dear Ruth, "Boys" and families, As everyone else has posted, Bill was just our "down to earth" leader. Always smiling, always accessible to anyone, always had time to talk. He truly cared about his company and the people working for him. I absolutely loved working for Bill; his kindness will never be forgotten and he will be missed by all of us "old Lawson" employees. With my sincere sympathy.... "

"Our memories of Bill were all good. He was a very patient, down-to-earth person who always made you feel welcome and important. Our kids were drawn to him and kids are the best judges of character. Bill was a genuinely good person who did great things for others. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathies to the Lawson Family. We're here if anyone needs anything."

"My dad started working at Lawson back in the early 80s when it was a pretty small shop, so hopefully he'll chime in here. I joined Lawson in 1996 and whenever I passed Bill Sr. in the halls he was always very friendly and kind. "

"I will just echo the sentiments of others on here: extremely down to earth, always greeted you with a smile, didn't care if you were an executive or the janitor, he would treat you with the same respect. He always made you feel valuable and important. As simple as that sounds it's unfortunately extremely rare in the business world. Thank you Bill for that blessing! Praying for the Lawson family"

"When I started working as a programmer at Lawson Software, Bill was President. After just a few days, I met Bill for the first time, after which, it was obvious I was welcome to talk to him if I ever needed to. I remember thinking "what a contrast from my previous company, where we were not event allowed to talk to the authors of the requirements documents, but here I can talk to the president if I need to." That instantly confirmed in my mind that I had chosen the right place to work, which was reconfirmed many times over after that. If only by the way Bill treated his employees, I believe he has touched many lives and done many good for many people. I know that my life is better because of Bill. What better measure is there of a man's accomplishments in life than the good he has done for others? By that measure, Bill has accomplished much in his life. Rest in peace, Bill. Grace, love, strength, comfort and peace to his family, a family that I love dearly. "

"I joined Lawson in 1995 and unlike many, I did not interview with Bill so it was a little time before I met him. One day, while in the elevator, a very nice man in a flannel shirt struck up a conversation with me, asking me what I did for the company and seemed genuinely interested in how I liked working for Lawson. Later that day I attended a meeting with a prospect and other Lawson personnel, and only then when the nice man in the flannel shirt introduced himself, did I learn it was Bill Lawson. The prospect was quite difficult and making unreasonable demands. After some time, Bill very kindly but firmly informed the prospect our software was not a good fit for them and excused himself because he was going on a fishing trip. Bill touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways. What a gift he was to all who knew him. My heartfelt prayers are with his family. "

"Bill taught me so much and most of all to believe in myself. I will always remember one meeting when I went into his office and talked about the fixed asset application. I made the comment "I don't know who designed this product, but whoever it was, they did not know fixed assets". Bill looked at me and smiled and said "You're looking at him and I hired people like you to fix it... you have one year and the timer starts now". I learned so many life lessons during my 13 years at Lawson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

"I am not sure they make them like Bill anymore. I will miss him."

"I recall working in the HCM lounge at one CUE or another, with another marketing team member. Bill walked in and right up to us. He said hello, and introduced himself with a "Hi, I'm Bill." I'm Bill. That's all. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lawson family."

"Working for Bill, and all of the Lawsons taught me so much, about how to work hard and treat employees with respect, and truly care about them as individuals. By doing so, you in turn gain your employees respect and loyalty. I would have done anything for that family, as I believed in them, as much as they believed in, and mentored me. I remember Bill coming around in his flannel shirt - with a pot of coffee, filling our cups as we worked. I also still remember when Bill told us all to go home one day - it was too nice out to be at work. Hands down the best people to work for - ever. RIP Bill. My deepest sympathy to all of the Lawson's - Ruth, Richard, Gary, Damon, Darren, Greg, and their families."

"I have many memories of working with Bill over a dozen years. His integrity, humility, compassion, humor and brilliance will never be forgotten. A Giant in business leadership. It changed my life being part of the the enterprise he, his partners and family created."

"It was a beautiful Friday afternoon in October, sunny and 70 degrees. Bill came striding through the Lawson office telling everyone he saw."It's too nice to work, go home right now." I'll never forget that, and like so many who knew him, I'll never forget Bill."

"Bill was a man of great integrity. He always wanted to take care of employees and customers. He lead by example, sometimes by being in the background. I worked at Lawson for 18 years - and it was a great experience. There was a very large company that signed a contract and they execs of the company were trying to bully Lawson Software into doing things in ways which didn't make sense and would not be fair to Lawson employees or to other Lawson customers. Bill sat with the CIO of this powerful global company and told him that he was canceling the contract because of a lack of cultural fit. He still did right by the employees that had won the hard fought contract. Bill & Richard (and John C) have had such a lasting impact on so many people that worked for them over the years. I'm grateful for my time with them."

"Bill was a man of great integrity. He always wanted to take care of employees and customers. He lead by example, sometimes by being in the background. I worked at Lawson for 18 years - and it was a great experience. There was a very large company that signed a contract and they execs of the company were trying to bully Lawson Software into doing things in ways which didn't make sense and would not be fair to Lawson employees or to other Lawson customers. Bill sat with the CIO of this powerful global company and told him that he was canceling the contract because of a lack of cultural fit. He still did right by the employees that had won the hard fought contract. Bill & Richard (and John C) have had such a lasting impact on so many people that worked for them over the years. I'm grateful for my time with them."

"Bill was a great man. In my early years at Lawson, we both sat on the 4th floor at the Goddard Building and bonded over our love for coffee at 7am. He was always wearing a flannel shirt and a smile. He was so welcoming, it was months before I realized he was the CEO. His simple ways of doing business created a culture that gave everyone who knew him a sense of belonging, purpose and family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lawson family during this time of great loss. RIP Bill Lawson, you'll be missed. "

"Lawson family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bill was such a great person. From the day I started at Lawson in 1984, he made me feel like part of the family. So many great memories, he will truly be missed by many."

"Bill was one of a kind and his passion for his Employees was out of this world. A memory with him was at CUE at a Lawson Conference in CA when he treated me to a plain cheese hamburger. My thoughts and prays are with his beautiful family. "

"Bill is truly one of the great men I have known. i worked with Bill and for Lawson for 22 years. One of my many favorite memories with Bill was sitting in a meeting as all of us "smart" people were trying to come up with our Company Mission Statement. After lots of talk, and while Bill was silent he then simply said, "isn't our mission to get a customer, and keep them forever." That became our mission and the meeting was over. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

"I, like so many others, are a "Lawsonite". I worked at Lawson for 16.5 years and for a while had the opportunity to work right along side him. He was one smart and cool dude. I compare every employer I ever had against him and he was the best...hands down. My love and prayers to Ruth and entire Lawson family."

"I felt so blessed to be a part of the Lawson family 18 years ago. I think of Bill even today when I work for Infor. It was a great family, caring people and I wanted to make them proud! "

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lawson family. Bill was always a great down to earth guy/ He truly loved the company and technology. My life changed forever in 1998 when I started working at Lawson Software. May you rest in peace Bill, gone but never forgotten!"

"In 1988 my life changed when I went to work for Bill and Richard. Bill was always the most caring person I knew and always had a smile on his face. After 16 years, they made me feel part of the Lawson family. My thoughts and prayers to the family. "

"After working at Lawson Software for 17 years I feel like part of the Lawson extended family, and there are many of us. Bill was my boss and mentor in the early days and I will never forget the influence he had on me. Prayers to the family."

"I remember my interview with Bill like it was yesterday. He talked to me very informally for the better part of an hour and then said 'I hope they decide to hire you'. His humility was one of his greatest characteristics and I will always be grateful for the opportunities he afforded me. My deepest sympathies to the Lawson family. "

"Bill was an inspiration to me by experiencing his dedication to family, employees, and his customers. I first met Bill in 1996 and knew then he was exactly how I would want to run my company, with honesty and integrity. Bill will be missed by many."

"We didn't know Bill, but my brother Brad Preston has been in the employ of Lawson and Associates, now Infor, for many years. We have heard wonderful stories of Bill and I know he was a huge influence on Brad in his career. God Bless him and our deepest sympathy to Bill's family!"

"I remember Bill from way, way back. Almost to the point of not being able to remember at all. On fishing trips that my dad took me with, family (or probably company, can't remember) picnics (where, oddly enough, my clearest memory was watching the Lawson boys put salt on their watermelon... Sheesh!!).... More recent memories (although still a while ago) was of working at his company. He was always a joy to see in the halls, or watch him work his magic on a crowd. Everyone loved him... My thoughts are with Damon, Greg, Gary, Darren, Ruth, Richard and many others. . May you all find peace ."

"I am speechless. I will miss Bill terribly."

"Friend, mentor, collaborator, arbitrator, advisor, father figure, boss - these are just a few of the things Bill has been to me over these many years. I was so saddened to hear of his passing, and my heart goes out to his family. "

"I met Bill 1 time. He was a very genuine and generous man. I am deeply saddened by his death. He made a big impact in my life. So sorry for your loss."