Philip C. Lawson

Philip Charles Lawson sailed away on his next journey, across a sea, free of any tethers or strife on April 18th, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.

Phil was born in Detroit, MI on March 19th, 1947 to Albert Raymond & Glenna Belle (Kutzley) Lawson. The family moved to Wald Lake, MI in his younger years. There Phil enjoyed learning how to sail, hunt, trap, canoe and loved just being outdoors.

In 1964 Phil enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. He served until 1967 and reached the rank of Sergeant. He went on to attend the University Of Michigan in Ann Arbor, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Sociology, and a minor in Geology. He continued his education and was just a few credits short of his Masters, when he decided to make the move to Montana with his parents and brother. In 1976, Phil bought 14 acres in Emigrant and began work on a house. Over the next 30 years, he continued to build and improve.

Phil held many jobs, including working in public health, as a drug & alcohol counselor, juvenile detention, and general contractor. It was while working for HRDC winterizing houses that he met his wife, Terri. With a smiley face drawn on a foggy window, they began their journey of over 40 years together. In doing so, Phil accepted into his life and heart Terri’s three kids: Sara, Justin and Megan.

Phil developed Lawson Woodworks in Emigrant and mastered the art of fine woodworking. Over the years he and Terri turned out many pieces of furniture and cabinetry for clients and galleries. An artist at heart and with a remarkable eye for detail, Phil took up carving in his later years and created some really beautiful pieces.

During his time in Emigrant, he helped to found the Paradise Valley Fire Department and was a volunteer firefighter for 13 years, serving for a number of years as Fire Chief.

In 2005 Phil & Terri sold the place in Emigrant and headed out with their 26 foot sailboat behind an RV for a trip around the country. In their year-long journey they sailed, explored and connected with friends and family around the country.

They ended their trip on the Washington Coast and found a new home on Camano Island, WA, within sight of the Puget Sound. They spent the next decade there, transforming an overgrown wooded lot into a beautiful home.

In 2017, Phil & Terri moved back to Livingston to be closer to “the kids”. They spent the next year remodeling an old house into a comfortable home, working together as always, with care and attention to detail.

Phil was an “old-school man of the world” and he will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert & Glenna Lawson, his brother Paul Edward Lawson, his son Robert Lawson, his son-in-law Elliott Gillen, his grandson Deon Gillen and his granddaughter Ella Duffy.

He is survived and remembered by wife Terri, kids Sara (Nick), Justin (Emily) Duffy, Megan Duffy; his grandchildren Elton, Katlyn (Jonathan), Layne (Riley), Valora (Colton), Alivia, & James; great grandson Elliott, and bonus granddaughter Raeven.

Terri and Sara would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at the Bozeman Cancer Center for all the kindness, laughter, and light that you shared with all of us, but especially Phil. You truly made his days brighter.

A Celebration of Life and potluck will be held Saturday, May 3rd at 11am, at the Emigrant Community Hall.

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Franzen-Davis Funeral Home is honored to care for Philip and his family.