NEW SCOTLAND — Ivan Lawson, a longtime elementary-school teacher, was a patient and kind husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his family said. He died peacefully in his New Scotland home on Thursday, April 25, 2019, after a brief illness. He was 91.

He was born to Ella Burhans Lawson and Palmer C. Lawson in Albany on April 6, 1928.

He graduated from Buffalo Teachers College and received his master’s degree in art from the State University of New York at New Paltz. He went on to teach elementary school for 18 years at Slingerlands and Clarksville elementary schools.

“Ivan enjoyed baking and was famous for his Christmas cookies,” his family wrote in a tribute. “At the height of cookie season, he baked many thousands of cookies, which he then gave to friends and family near and far.

“One of Ivan’s other hobbies was making miniature doll furniture. He often made miniatures of family heirlooms as well as being featured in a miniatures magazine.

“He was a patient and kind husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be remembered for his unique sense of humor.”

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Ivan Lawson is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosemond; by his sister, Jean Valiruso; by his brother James (Glen) Lawson; by his children, Heather Lawson, Paul Lawson and his wife, Kathleen, Michael Lawson and his wife, Amanda, and Dawn Lawson; by his grandchildren, Lynsey Lawson, Kaylynn Lawson, Brittany Emond, Dylan Emond; by his step-grandchild, Graciela Buttery; by his great-grandchild, Jaden Lawson; and by his many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

His sister, Cornie Lawson, died before him, as did his brothers, Birdsal, Townsend, Adrian, Langdon, Holland, and Joel Lawson.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.