Comments on: Farewell to KD Lawson

By: Jay Dickman

Jay Dickman — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 20:30:52 +0000

KD is one individual who will be missed. I had the pleasure of working with him on the Pellissippi/FirstLight Workshop in 2007, I would call KD or he’d call me, and we would end up spending an hour or so working on ideas for the event, or discussing photography and/or life. His excitement for building this workshop was amazing, and I know that it reflected what he was hoping to instill in his students; that same passion for the process of capturing that moment. To those of you who never had the opportunity to take a class from KD, you missed a special time.

By: ben garlington

ben garlington — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:34:01 +0000

life is short. i first met kd at tva and he would always have a kind word when we crossed paths over the years. i was shocked and saddened to see news of his passing and wanted to offer my condolences to his family.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:45:35 +0000

I had the priviledge of having KD for 2 classes last semester and was looking forward to some next semester as I had to take this one off. I was stunned and hurt when I heard. He was more than just a teacher. He was kind, and funny and he always answered your questions no matter how silly they seemed, (not that he did not laugh at them too ) but with such good humor. My heart goes out to his family. He will be sadly missed. PSTCC will never be the same. So long KD, and may you be eternally happy.. I will miss you

By: Cindy Tanner

Cindy Tanner — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:43:16 +0000

KD seemed to know everything about photography, and he seemed to know something about everything else. It may sound cliché, but knowledge means nothing without heart–and KD had a lot of heart. I remember asking KD to pinch-hit on a photography shoot when the college’s contract photographer was too busy. He didn’t blink before accepting. All said and done, he got on the job faster, provided a much more creative shot, and made the shoot a lot more fun. That was the kind of experience I had with KD every time I approached him for help or advice. There’s nobody that can take his place, and I miss him already.

By: Brooke Danyi Wedding

Brooke Danyi Wedding — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:09:56 +0000

K D inspired so many people including myself. K D not only inspired my photography but pushed me to continue my education in photography. He was a friend and a teacher to me. I will miss his conversations, his wise and understanding words, his art, his constant ability to want to learn more, his passion for life and most of all I will miss him. K D’s work touched the world and in the world of photography his skill will be uncomparable for the rest of the world that he touched with his warm smile and bad jokes he will be missed beyond words.

By: Kitty

Kitty — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:35:25 +0000

I never had an opportunity to know KD beyond “the photography teacher to go to for all the answers”. I know he was so much more than that to those that did know him well. He was a father, a friend, etc. I do understand the pain of loosing someone without warning, however. People leave us sooner than we want them to, but of course our love for and memories of them never do. My sincere sympathies and condolences go out to his family and friends.

By: Linda

Linda — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 05:15:35 +0000

I will miss your amazing creativity and vision, your sense of humor, your patience, your intelligence, your remarkable breadth of knowledge on seemingly every subject, and your enjoyment of life. Media Technologies depended on and was greatly enhanced by your spirit and energy. It will be a long time adjusting to daily life without your presence.

By: Regina Collins

Regina Collins — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:55:29 +0000

I work at Pellissippi State as the Maintenance Scheduler, and I only met KD when we moved the studio from Division Street to Hardin Valley.
The first thing I THOUGHT I learned about KD was this – he was not organized and he functioned according to his schedule.
But as I became more acquainted with him through the Bagwell move, his motivations became more apparent to me – KD loved people and he loved his work. Other things fell into place as he could manage them. I learned that he was organized – according to his own conscience and purpose. I believe he understood why he was here and that’s a rare quality.
KD had the opportunity to be arrogant. But he was a kind and pleasant soul – never arrogant or condescending to me or anyone else that I ever witnessed. I think he lived a very influential life and I liked him very much. My prayers and sympathies to his family.

By: Candance Reaves

Candance Reaves — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:40:04 +0000

I knew K.D. from Divisions Street. He was always a kind friend and humorous colleague who helped make D Street the kind of place where teachers love to teach and students love to learn. We hated it when he left but were glad that he had finally succeeded at making the photography program the exceptional experience it is for students. I’ll miss his smile and generous nature.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:08:29 +0000

KD taught and led by example, as your remembrances of some of them have shown. The examples he left with each of us will remain to show us how. Thank you KD for showing us how to do so many things so well.