Hello Ann,

I'm Carol from Langley BC, just across the river from where Brian lived in Maple Ridge. I only heard about Brian's sad passing a few days ago, and I want to tell you how he affected me in my genealogy quest. (I've been away from it for the last couple of years, and have recently started up again.)

I saw his name and his responses on this board almost every day. I used his amazing website looking for information. People were always talking about him, and recommending his website to others. I was in awe of all the work it must have been for him to build up such a base of information, and of his dedication to it.

Soon, I was in email contact with him as he answered my Isle of Man questions, and gave great advice ... I eventually found out he lived just mere miles from me!!!

One morning when I went to the local family history center, I signed in, and whose name was signed in above mine??!! Yes, Brian Lawson.

Well!! Wow!! I went into the viewing room with my film and there was a gentleman there engrossed in his transcribing. I thought, that must be him!! I hated to interrupt, but I quietly said 'Brian?'. I introduced myself and I'm not kidding, I was so nervous ... it felt like I was meeting a famous Rock Star!!

He couldn't have been kinder. And after he was finished his work for that day, we had a little conversation, then he looked something up for me on his laptop, and that was it until the next time. After that, I saw him several times at the family history center.

His name will go down in genealogy history for the Isle of Man for ever and ever... I'm truly grateful for the help he gave to me.

May he be resting in peace. I'm hoping he's on the other side meeting all his ancestors and throwing parties!

Many condolences to you and all his family and friends. Please pass my best wishes on to them for me.

In memory of him, I will be joining the folks who are transcribing the IOM wills for Brian's site in September.

Sincerely, Carol Mohr, Langley, BC, Canada