Dr. John Edwards Lawedied suddenly on October 14, 2021 at the age of 92. He was born in London England on August 26, 1929, was educated at Radley College, and received his medical training at the Middlesex Hospital, University of London. He served in the British Army Royal Corps of Signals. He and Jean were married in 1959 and they immediately came to the US for John to work at the Cancer Research Institute in Boston. He later accepted a staff position in pathology at the Hitchcock Medical Center in 1963. That year the couple moved to the Goodrich Four Corners area in Norwich where they have lived ever since.

John loved Norwich and was active in the local organizations and government. Since 1965 he has been a member of the Norwich Lions Club, the Norwich Health Officer since 1978, and was a member and clerk of the Norwich Selectboard between 1982 and 2000. His passion for the environment and interest in local planning led him to represent Norwich on the Regional Planning Council and the Connecticut River Joint Commission, and served on the Norwich Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Development Review Board, and for 30 years on the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. He was a founding member of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

A member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church since the family settled in Norwich, he was its treasurer for 15 years. He also was a reader at the annual Norwich Christmas Pageant (chiefly the manger scene) for many years. In 2003 he joined the Norwich Fast Squad, serving for 10 years and arranging educational sessions for its members. John was an accomplished carpenter, electrician and plumber. He and the family designed and built a large barn for their horses and equipment. He also helped renovate the old Root Schoolhouse, now a community center. He was a jogger, cyclist, canoer, and skier. Latterly he loved gardening and breadmaking.

John was devoted to his family – Jean, his wife of 62 years and his son Stephen, his daughter-in-law Kathryn, and his two grandchildren, Spencer and Julia. He took great pride in their accomplishments. His geographically scattered family live abroad which led him and Jean to make many trips to "visit the relatives."

A celebration of John's life will be held outdoors at St. Barnabas Church in Norwich on Saturday, November 6th at 2:00 pm. Please dress warmly and mask up.

Donations in John's memory may be made to the Root District Game Club/Schoolhouse, PO Box 42, Norwich, VT to support renovations.