Mr.Lawils. You're the best music teacher of my life and we will miss you forever. Thank you so much for everything. Rest In Peace❤️.

Dearest Jim we still have an unfinished song. But I know the angels will be singing it for you on your way to heaven welcoming you with their harps. May you rest in peace my friend. You were one of the few genuine colleagues I met in CIC
A kind and compassionate human being. You will truely be missed..⚘

See you down the road

RIP Mr Lawlis, you will be missed.

I have recently recorded a song called “the scientist”. This was the first song we sang and played together in my first Mr.Lawlis class. So many memories started with this song. I heard this song on the radio one day, and my first thought was “ HEY that’s the first song we sang in Mr.Lawlis class!!!” And so I went home and recorded this song (casually) and now I believe it is the best gift I can give to Mr.Lawlis! It’s been 3 years since I’ve graduated from cic. I’m so grateful for your presence in my high school year and your inspiration to me and our memories will forever be remembered —Sabrina

I still remember the first time how we met, he asked me to prove I was qualified to be in the school band by playing some chords.He was strict to me but he let me understand music from a whole new perspective. I can’t express my sorrow with any word, maybe only music does.

R.I.P. Mr Lawlis.

Your student,

Nicholas

He's my music teacher for period 6. For those who don't know, period 6 is the last class for the day and as we were in ensamble setting, we were basically the last group in school every day. However, in his class, I never felt playing violin on period 6 was a burden, yet, he made it a super fun class. We laughed and joked most of the time and yet still respecting each other. Mr. Lawlis is the reason why I came back to violin and he was really supportive to me. I remember about a few weeks before May Convocation in 2014, the class was asked to play some national anthems and to my surprise, my national anthem was one of those which made me feel visible. One thing I always keep in mind is how he always adored my fashion sense and it was truly amazing that someone liked one's taste. Mr Lawlis, you're gone too soon but thank you for the memories.

Your little violinist,
Fabby.

I love you ,
Always grateful to you.

You are just like my father.
I miss you.

Respects
dear Mr. Lawlis.

Mr.Lawlis. U are the best teacher in the world. It is you who give me the motivation to study in CIC. Let me 4 semester had a very happy. Although i will skip other classes, I would like to go to yours.
Your rock guitar player big kris .
R.I.P Mr. Lawlis . You will be missed forever.

My memory stays at 16 years ago, still remember every time when I passed by the music class and saw you and Dr. Newman bringing so much happiness to the music students. I was really jealous and wished I could be among them. Until I joined Dr. N's Choir and we had one performance together with you and your music students.... Time does fly, but memories stay. Rest In Peace Mr Lawlis and please keep bringing smiles in heaven.

Teacher lawlis is my favorite teacher in CIC. I joined school music club when I studied there 13 years ago, but I still clearly remembered how he was passionated about music and teaching us. He is unique and special and smart, he asked me what’s the mark I want to get? I was shocked at that time the way he asked. I said 95, and he gave me 95 as my final mark. He is very nice and fabulous, amazing teacher I have ever met.

Hi Mr. Lawlis
It's me, Mel... I was in shock and cried for awhile. For the last few days I was thinking of when will this covid go so I could walk back to CIC and find you. You are the greatest teacher I could ever had in my life. Your lovely encouragement has made me to be confident in expressing my voice with many beautiful songs in this world. I know you are in a better place right now. Keep bringing your positivity and enthusiasm of music in that place!

You have touched so many of us in so many ways - what you did everyday was not for the faint of heart: you knew just how to inspire the students around you, drawing music out of your young charges with zest and so much love.
You offered up yourself to all who crossed your path - students, staff, parents and visitors to CIC; from the melodies you conjured up with your students to the pop up vocal performances that never fails to add moments of spirited hope and joy on school grounds. You have imprinted so much positivity in the lives of your students - they will go on to honour your memory in every song they hum - for you have infused the love of musical energy and passion for life in each & every one of us.
May the our thoughts of love and words of tributes find their way to you.

Mr. Lawlis was an inspiration to me and every other student I know. In all my three years at CIC, he motivated me to use my talent and it was the best experience working with him! Mr. Lawlis lights up every room and even my friends who were never in his class know how much of a fun person he is. I know he is in a better place now. Rest in Perfect peace Mr. Lawlis! Gone but never forgotten.

“As we go on, we’ll remember, all the times we, spent together, as our lives change, come whatever, we will still be friends forever”

Few people know how to connect with so many, heart to heart. Whether through music or smiles, Mr Lawlis always shared joy and love. I will always remember his voice singing "Oh Carolina!!" every time he saw me, brightening the gloomiest of days. For that and for so much more, thank you.
My deepest condolences to all who love him, especially his family. And may we always remember and honor him, till we meet again.

Mr. Lawlis was and will remain an amazing guide to hundreds of students who ever came across him. Amazingly talented musician who was sharing his love for music and art with us. Please know he has changed lives of his students for the better. This kind of legacy will never fade. One of the brightest people I have known and it was an honour to be his student. May his memory be a blessing. Bravo Maestro Lawlis!

Mr. Lawlis was an incredible soul. His enthusiasm and passion for music and teaching, his compassion and understanding for students, and his ability to connect with others through his caring nature will always be remembered.
My condolences to the family during this difficult time.

Thank you very much for a year and half of great time when I first came to Canada, I will always be your best flute player forever.

Once in a lifetime, we get to meet an amazing person who truly impacts your life. Mr. Lawlis was incredibly special, talented and a remarkable person & teacher. His passion for his students was striking & memorable. He cared so much for his students. I'll never forget how he and the students would play music and perform for the staff and students. There's no doubt that his passion for his students and love for music will live on at CIC and in our hearts. Rest in peace.

Although no words can really help to ease the loss of a love one. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Jim.

 I never encountered Mr Lawlis but when I watched my sisters graduation I was amazed at the music and the musical prodigy he was training. He was a bright and joyous light. Whenever I passed the music room, it was never empty always full of his lovely students. I always, looked forward to him teaching me how to play the piano or any instrument but as it would be it was not possible. Mr Jim Lawlis was a gem to CIC and would forever be missed.

Jim was an admirable man, proud of his family, his career and his love of music. I am honoured to call Jim a beloved friend, and a respected colleague. I was lucky enough to have Jim play saxophone and flute at my wedding, a memory I will always hold close to my heart. Rest easy my friend. Enjoy those fruit cups and save a couple for me ❤️❤️❤️

Mr. Lawlis is a person I truly admired. I will never forgot the evening Mr. Lawlis created to celebrate CIC's 40th anniversary by collaborating with the Hamilton Philarmonic Orchestra at FirstOntario Concert Hall. Not only was he an accomplished musician, Mr. Lawlis could be counted on to bring a smile to the face of every person who was within range of his classroom. I could feel the vibrancy and energy he brought to students and colleagues every day. He had the gift to encourage every student to reach their full potential. I know so many students who felt blessed to have the privilege to be in his classroom. You will be deeply missed Mr. Lawlis. Thank you for all you brought to so many people.

We remember Jim as a person with a positive spirit who always brightened our days with a smile or made us laugh with his wit. We always enjoyed hearing the performances from the music classes in front of the Academic Office and hearing the band at graduation. He made such an impact on the school community and the lives of his students. He will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.

Mr. Lawlis always made the classroom brighter with his talent and wisdom.

He is the amazing person and light of my life.

I know you’re always there, in our hearts, I will miss you more than words can say.

Rest In Peace.

Jim was a unique caring soul that reached staff and students alike. He was able to share his passion for music as well as his ability to bring about the best in his students.
He will be missed but his legacy will remain in the many lives that he touched in his journey ... I send condolences to all ...

When I think of Jim, his unwavering love for and commitment to his students is the first thing to come to mind. He adored them, and they adored him right back. Jim's love for teaching and his caring will always be a source of inspiration.

To his loved ones, I am so sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing him with CIC and our students.

It has been 14 years since graduated from the school. I played keyboards in the band and joined choir in his class. As I look back, everything leap up before my eyes. I still can remember his voice, his smiles and his sense of humour. Sorry of the lost for his family and the school. He will be memorized by all of us in our deep heart ❤️

When I think about fond memories of CIC, I always think of Mr. Lawlis and his music class, rehearsing/performing with the band and performing at CIC graduation ceremonies with him. He was an incredibly kind, talented, vibrant, humble and loving mentor and human being to everyone he encountered. His passion for music was so inspirational for me and helped make me who I am today as a musician. I am so grateful that I am blessed with a chance to learn from him and to know him. He was a bright light in CIC and my favorite teacher, and I will always miss him. Rest in peace, Mr. Lawlis..

Jim’s enthusiasm was an inspiration. I’ll definitely miss his amazing energy in the school and his dedication to the CIC music program. Loved his lust for life!

The world has lost another talented, creative artist. Jim, I've always thought you to be a genuinely friendly, down-to-earth person who always brought a smile to my face. I've never seen you angry or rude with anyone even in stressful times. The tributes from your students past and present are proof of how wonderful you are. Sincere condolences to Jim's family and to all who loved him.

Mr. lawlis is an amazing soul. Thanks for setting a great example for us to follow both as students and people. You are the person we want to be. Your love will be carried on by us. May God comfort your family, and guide them to peaceful pastures.

I am so sad that you have passed away and you have been an amazing teacher when I came to Cic in 2018 and the day of the 2019 graduation you have been teaching music for the longest time and may your soul rest in perfect peace and I will miss you seriously. You will be forever be missed hearing your music ❤❤

Mr. Lawlis has been a bless for his students. He was a lot of fun; he was sensitive to his students; he was kind and sweet. Miss you and May you Rest In Peace!

Jim was a pinnacle of creativity, a truly vibrant soul whose love of music and teaching has left an immense impact of those who learned from him and those who worked with him; his jovial voice and exuberant rhythm of expression will resound not only in the hallways of our school, but in our hearts. He displayed dedication in all endeavours and I was always inspired by the guidance he provided in the classroom and during community events. Sending my condolences and prayers to his loved ones.

I only knew Mr. Lawlis for a short period of time. Mr. Lawlis was the happiest soul in the room without fail. Everyday, consistently cheering everyone up with his contagious positivity. Mr. Lawlis gave me countless opportunities to perform music at school, and was always there to help cheer me on. I will never forget this man, and his positivity will live on forever.

My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Lawlis was the most authentic person I have ever met. 15 years ago he was my teacher and later became a dear friend. When I broke my leg and ended up at the hospital in grade 12 - he was the first person to show up after my surgery was over. I remember that year in grade 12 was a difficult one and Mr. Lawlis and the school band was the saving grace that helped me get through the anxiety of separation from my home country. Mr. Lawlis - he just got it, he got it how difficult it was for us, kids, away from home and he would listen and talk to you anytime. His full heart and soul was in everything he did. He loved his job as a teacher, he loved performing music and his love for music was contagious and inspired me a lot. He was almost always upbeat and if he wasn't - you could immediately find out what it was and no bs ever. Years after I was his student I asked him if he could give me a paid saxophone lesson and he said he doesn't take money from his kids and he still showed up and helped me out and got to meet my family. This was four years ago and I am so happy that I reached out to him then and we did have a fun time catching up and playing music. He will be missed. Big time. Thank you for everything, you left a huge impact in this world. Your beautiful soul will be forever missed.

Mr. Lawlis is the best teacher in my life and I’m glad that I can become his student. Attending his band class is the best decision that I made in my high school life. I will never forget that when I finished my final solo and he said to me “Excellent Summer! You are a good clarinet player before you joined the class, and now you become a fantastic player.”
Thank you Mr. Lawlis. Because of you, I realized how to balance the relationship between music and life. Because of you, I have more confidence to keep persist my dream. Thank you for everything sir.
RIP and I will always miss you❤️

Hearing about Mr.Lawlis's death really broke my heart. Even though I never had a class with him, I was fortunate enough to experience his love. Mr. Lawlis always had a bright smile on his face which could light up your day no matter how bad your day was going. He was such a pure soul and I remember him encouraging me to sing during the May 2019 graduation even though I was not confident. He was simply an amazing soul and I know he is in a better place now. Rest well Mr. Lawlis, you will forever be missed❤️

Thank you Mr. Lawlis, for making music fun for everyone. As a shining ambassador for Music, you brought so much joy and inspiration to people.

I took my first singing class at at Columbia International College with Mr. Lawlis. It was the bestest, most fun class ever, where I felt for the first time that I was just allowed to *enjoy* making music. Mr. Lawlis was oodles of fun, incredibly selfless, heartfelt and supportive — he encouraged me to sing and step into the limelight with each performance, gave me a ridiculously generous 100% grade, and I have carried this love of performing with me to this day as a budding professional singer. Bless you, and thank you for the love you've sparked in so many.

Jim was a wonderful soul and a wonderful teacher. His passion for music and the passion he had for his students will be greatly missed. I have had the pleasure of working with Jim for many years. You will be missed and I will miss hearing your music from across the hall at school and at many other celebrations like the graduation or playing music in the hallways during Christmas holidays.

So saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He touched the lives of so many people, including his CIC family. He was a true inspiration as a teacher and made a lasting impact among so many students over the years. I will miss hearing his music in the hallway, it was such a positive way to start each day. He will be greatly missed. Sending my prayers and condolences to his family.

Words cannot express the profound impact Jim had on those who had the pleasure to know him. His gift and passion for music have impacted thousands, as have his kind spirit and warmth. I had the pleasure to work with Jim for a number of years, and saw the incredible love and caring he brought in each day. His loss will be felt immensly throughout the community, but his memory will forever be in our hearts. Sincerest condolences to his friends, family, and all who loved him

Beyond feeling shocked and utterly devastated by the loss of a beloved friend, I am just feeling sad I didn't get to say a proper goodbye to Jim yet I am also feeling so grateful for the time we did have, working together.
He was always an advocate for students, no matter what their level was and I was in awe of how he could connect with all of them.
Generous with his time, he helped me make music videos to promote literacy out of his own time, even though he was busy teaching and playing music on the weekend.
There is just no one else like him.
I hope he knows how much he was loved and appreciated.
I hope he gets to jam with a band in heaven, we will never forget him.
Condolences and hugs to all who loved him, especially his family ox

Jim was an artist in everything he did. He graciously shared with us his art of friendship, camaraderie, teaching, and being in the moment. I feel immensely blessed to have had the chance to work with him as Miss Alice from room 222 (“you must learn the theme from the show”, he’d tell me and smile away to his music room).

May his family find comfort in the memories they made together. ❤️

I'm so saddened by Jim's passing. He was an amazing teacher and was much loved by staff and students for the joy he brought to their lives. I was fortunate to work with him the past two years on the CBC Music Class videos where I could see how his passion for music was passed on to his students. He went above and beyond for them and I can only hope to one day be as kind, thoughtful and passionate as he was.

For almost 20 years I associated a big part of my work life with music. Jim brought that music to CIC. Jim was bigger than life in terms of what he brought to school with him everyday: joy, passion, genuineness, and above all else, a sense of caring. Always knowing when a coffee from second cup was needed, or a song, or a high five in the hallway. Jim reached some students that no one else could. He saw them. He heard them. He discovered them.

I am so saddened to imagine this world without Jim in it. Is it you I see...always loved. Rest in peace my friend, I'll listen for your sax with the angels.

Jim we all have such fond memories that will stay with us forever. I will always remember you for your love of music and your dedication to your students and CIC. The highlight of our day was when you bought your music classes down in front of the Academic Office and filled the halls with beautiful music. I will always remember you coming to the office, looking for a bite to eat and chatting about songs from our younger years. Jim you have touched our lives in such tremendous ways.

You will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace.

My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends.

It was a privilege to work with Jim, even briefly. The impact that he had on his students cannot be overstated. His honesty, commitment, and good humour marked him out as a singular teacher and human being. Our condolences and gratitude to Jim's family and friends.

Jim was an amazing person with a beautiful soul. He will forever be missed and CIC will never be the same...
My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May you all find the comfort and strength as you begin to heal..
Sending my deepest condolences.

It is such an honour to know someone who was so passionate about life. Mr. Lawlis was a colleague who I admired and looked up to. His smile was contagious and his passion was inspiring. We would joke about my love for the Toronto Maple Leafs as he was a Habs fan, but he always said, “Keep believing good things”. Thank you Jim for always being you. Thank you for being so amazing. My sincere condolences to all your loved ones. Thinking and praying for everyone to cherish the beautiful moments with such a remarkable person.