Louis W. Lawson

Lawson, Louis W.
Our beloved father, Louis W. Lawson, a talented lawyer who put himself through USC Law School, and a distinguished attorney for over five decades in Los Angeles, having won several precedent cases, passed away peacefully on October 20. Lou was born on October 28, 1920 and was almost 85 years old when he passed away from heart disease in Santa Monica. He and his wife Sylvia were married for over 53 years and were always together. He will be tremendously missed and is greatly loved by his family and friends. Lou was a life-long resident of the City of Los Angeles, and resided in Kenter Canyon (Brentwood) for his last 44 years. He served for four years in the U.S. Army during World War II as a high speed radio operator (Army Signal Corps) and was stationed in China. Upon his return from the service, he attended UCLA and entered Law School at USC. Lou was recognized for his articles and contributions to the Southern California Law Review, and when he graduated USC Law School in July 1949 he was elected to the "Order of the Coif" for his high academic achievements. A sole practitioner for nearly his entire legal career, Lou handled thousands of cases involving auto safety and injury prevention. A number of his legal victories resulted in changes to California Law and policy, including several State Supreme Court cases. In Haft v. Lone Palm Hotel, he represented the family of a father and five-year old son who both drowned in a hotel pool. Through Lou's efforts at the State Supreme Court, the family was compensated and the law was changed to require hotels, apartments, and condos to provide and maintain lifesaving equipment at swimming pools. "No Lifeguard on Duty" signs were also posted at pools around the state (and the country). This 1970 case is still cited today as a precedent in liability cases. Lou had a great sense of humor, a gift of storytelling, and was very charitable with his time. He loved being with his friends in Los Angeles and had treasured memories of his buddies from Marina Park in Newport Beach. Lou learned several languages, and was amazing at the piano, playing jazz greats with beautiful sound and rhythm. He had perfect pitch and could recognize any note and play any song he heard with amazing ease. In his spare time, Lou enjoyed family gatherings, world travel, fine dining, music, telling jokes, playing piano, golf, fishing, supporting charitable causes, and political discussions. He loved his family very much and loved his wife Sylvia dearly. Lou encouraged Sylvia in her work with the Los Angeles Unified School District as a teacher, guidance counselor, and she was honored to become Vice Principal of Palisades High School until she retired. Lou is survived by his dear wife Sylvia Lawson; his daughters Michelle Lawson Dornfest and her husband Rhaney Dornfest; and Cheryl (Sherry) Lawson; his son Craig Lawson and his wife Terry Peters and their daughter (Lou's grandchild) Emily Lawson; his brother Martin Lawson and his wife Elfie and his niece Cindy Lawson Ermert and her husband Randy Ermert, and many other relatives and friends. Louis W. Lawson was laid to rest in a small private ceremony at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park. A Memorial Service and celebration of his life for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. at Temple Isaiah, 10345 W. Pico Boulevard, in West Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, cards can be sent to Sylvia Lawson at Fireside Convalescent Hospital, 947 3rd St., Santa Monica, CA 90403, and donations can be sent in Lou's honor to the Los Angeles Chapters of the United Jewish Fund and/or the American Heart Association. Malinow & Silverman Mortuary 800.710.7100