David John Lawrence

David John Lawrence passed into eternal life on June 28, 2023. When he passed, his devoted wife of 34 years, Ruth, was at his side. David previously resided in East Grinstead (England), Wales, New Jersey (USA) and Cape Coral, Florida (USA).

He was born on November 8, 1938, the oldest of six children. David was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Norman Lawrence, his stepfather Jack Blunt, his sister Pauline Roikola and his infant brother. He is survived by his wife Ruth, his brother Norman (Pauline), his sister Wendy Burchell, and his sister Jackie Lower (Barry). Surviving children include Rex, Gary and Jill York (Andy), stepchildren William, Dianne and Karen Mayer (Anton) and granddaughters Sydney and Danielle Mayer, as well as many generations of nephews and nieces, most notable Esa Roikola (Nicole), Stacey Roikola-Alzamora (Tony) and Scott Roikola whom David helped raise.

David graduated from Redhill Technical College (England) and apprenticed as a joiner and architectural woodworker. A strong union man throughout his professional life, David worked on and supervised projects in many locales, notably Westminster Abbey, AT&T's Manhattan Headquarters, NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Princeton University. His sharp mind and keen sense of space and design made David a master in his profession.

Throughout his life, David was an avid ham radio operator known as AI4JU and G6XAW who communicated with the King of Spain, US astronauts, and first responders, as well as ham operators on every continent. He was passionate about this and freely shared his knowledge, always available to assist others from tweaks to overhauls of their radio and antenna setups. Practically, he provided communications support as needed to law enforcement and emergency services during hurricanes.

Once in Florida, David discovered boating. Not just a recreational boat owner, David served Cape Coral as a commissioned officer for the Marine Patrol Volunteer Unit of the city police, was a member and officer of the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron, and belonged to various local boating clubs, including the Merry Mariners and as a founding member of the Sea and Shore Cruisers. David took pride as part of the winning design team for several annual cardboard boat regattas.

Throughout their married life, David and Ruth were active in local churches, most recently in Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral. Although he became an American citizen years ago, David was proud of his British heritage. David strongly supported the local Police, volunteering as at the information desk of the police in his later years. David deeply loved and was loved by his best friend and wife, Ruth, and his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him in person or over the airways, and he will live on forever in the memory and hearts of all who knew him.

A service to honor his life will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral. He will be laid to rest at Christ Church Cemetary, South Amboy, NJ (arrangements to be provided at a later date).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904.