Raymond Edwin Lawson

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Mr. Raymond Edwin Lawson, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

Raymond was born on December 16, 1937 at home in Ontario, California. He was the son of Pat and Nelson Carlock. Raised in Ontario, California, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Raymond was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Raymond was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Raymond was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Raymond also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Raymond was raised with one other sibling. He had a brother Harvey Lawson. Raymond was constantly involved in activities with his family. Raymond and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Raymond. On February 7, 1957 Raymond married Patricia Ann Long in their home in Ontario, California. He was totally committed to Patricia and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Raymond naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Raymond disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Raymond was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Raymond was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Raymond was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Raymond was blessed with two children, one boy, Eddie Ray and one daughter Shari Ann. They were also blessed with one grandson, Connor Lawson Wilbourn.

If you gave Raymond a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Raymond was always on task. Without hesitation, Raymond could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was a maintenance mechanic/driver. He was employed for 28 years for Metropolitan Water District in Laverne, CA. During that time, Raymond excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Raymond was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Raymond had at true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Raymond was in the Air Force. He seemed to thrive on the routines offered up by the military. Being a literal thinker with a calm exterior helped him handle the rigors of the military. Ray started at Parks AFB then stationed in Castle AFB and served 4 years in California (Ray joined the military to see the world but never left California). Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of corporal.

Raymond passed away on February 28, 2010 at peacefully at home in Upland, California. Ray fought a brave battle against ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease). He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, his children Eddie and Shari; his grandchild Connor. Services were held at Draper Memorial Chapel. Raymond was laid to rest in Bellevue Memorial Park in Ontario, California.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Raymond was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Raymond was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Raymond Lawson was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Raymond. He will be missed.