LAWSON , Robert (Dom Placid OSB)

8 tributes Leave your tribute

1. Dom Placid a man of many talents: great storyteller, a man devoted to the rule of St. Benedict, a sharp wit with lots of humour, a talented artist, a wonderful gardener and a great listener. We have been so blessed, to call you our friend, and will greatly miss our chats with you. No doubt you’ll be singing and dancing in the celestial heavens, with those who’ve gone before you! You will always be remembered fondly and will live on in our hearts. RIP Dom. Yvonne & Colin. XxOo

   Yvonne Langley January 3 2023 2:51 pm

2. To live alongside and pray with him into Encountering the Holy One in community and creation within this life that meant so much to him was simple joy. The library, the garden the orchid, the grounds, the icons, his voice reading within silent meals, the brush moving its way over canvas, his mischievous twinkle in the eye, his utter sense of celebration on Feast Days, gave me a true insight into the heart of a monastic soul. The hand-me down newspapers often weeks old when they arrived were devoured and the ‘news of the world’ was taken to prayer…never a retreat from the world but a real sense of reflection and consciousness of the world’s needs taken in prayer filled hope for a better world through the ancient rhythm of prayer, work, study, silence, sabbath rest and place. He lived his life well. He lived his life true. He leaves behind a legacy of ‘otherness’ over ‘self’ that is a stark reminder of ancient truths so needed in our fast-paced and ever-changing world. May the Divine Gardner come to greet him through the volcanic soils of Camperdown that he tilled so well, with an embrace that says, “Placid, welcome home!” Abbott Stephen

   Abbot Stephen January 8 2023 8:41 am

3. Dom Placid (or “Uncle Robert” as I knew him) was a delight to know and love. His visits, telephone calls and correspondence were always very special to my siblings and I. I cherish the birthday cards and letters received from him throughout my childhood, many stored away for safe keeping. Always good natured, fun and sharp as a tack, I shall miss our chats about art, design and gardening. Never “stuffy”; never dull. A clever, lovely man whom I shall always remember fondly. Rest in Peace Robert

   Kathryn Lewthwaite January 10 2023 4:25 pm

4. Dom Placid (Uncle Robert) will be remembered for his kind heart, generosity of spirit, and genuine interest in, and enthusiasm for the experiences of others. In addition to his religious life, Robert loved the beauty of the world, which fed into his love of literature, art, travel, and gardening. Robert, himself an accomplished artist, loved all forms of art, from paintings to sculptures and design, from Botticelli angels to Turner landscapes, from classic to modern styles. He was a keen gardener, and the Abbey grounds are a living testament to his talent as a landscape designer. I will miss our lengthy and florid conversations with him about art, travel and his gardening advice will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace

   Sarah & Henry Jackson January 10 2023 5:12 pm

5. Remembering the fun times in the orchard with our two small children while dear Dom Placid and Grant pruned the orchard fruit trees. Always cold and windy at that time of year. Remembering Dom Placid with love and admiring all his skills outdoors and indoors. Rest in peace dear Dom. Placid Grant and Wendy Morrow

   Grant Morrow January 11 2023 1:28 pm

6. Dom Placid (our Uncle Robert) will be remembered for his kind heart, generosity of spirit, and genuine interest in, and enthusiasm for the experiences of others. In addition to his religious life, Robert loved the beauty of the world, which fed into his love of literature, art, travel, and gardening. Robert, himself an accomplished artist, loved all forms of art, from paintings to sculptures and design, from Botticelli angels to Turner landscapes, from classic to modern styles. He was a keen gardener, and the Abbey grounds are a living testament to his talent as a landscape designer. I will miss our lengthy and florid conversations with him about art, travel and his gardening advice will be sorely missed.

   Sarah and Henry Jackson January 11 2023 7:48 pm

7. I learnt of Dom Placid’s death only yesterday. Perhaps it is too late for a tribute to be received, but I hope not. I knew him in the 1980s, during my time as an Oblate. Placid was unfailingly kind to me, and allowed me to help in the garden from time to time. He always struck me as a truly happy man, true to his monastic name, as to his calling; gifted and unpretentious. Pray for us and bless us, dear Dom Placid.

   Christina Fox March 18 2023 8:21 pm

8. I have only just discovered that dear Dom Placid has died. I had known him for forty three years and will miss him terribly. He was a really extraordinary man – utterly committed to his monastic vocation which he lived out with huge generosity. It is very sad that the community established by Michael King has not flourished and it is useless now to ask why but it would never have been anything at all without Placid and his humble, steadfast service and witness to the labour of obedience.

   Richard Waddell April 11 2023 5:09 pm