Maurice Eduard Lawyer

Maurice Lawyer passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2022. He was born in Victorville, California to Dr. Marian Davis Lawyer and Richard Lawyer.

Maurice's family moved several times while he was growing up, which allowed him to live in Turkey, North Dakota, and Illinois before resettling in Victorville, California. Maurice attended Victor Valley High School where he enjoyed playing football with his lifelong friend Emile Griffith. He often joked about why he joined his high school choir, not to sing, but because the choir went to Disneyland every year. After graduating from high school, Maurice and Emile moved to San Diego, which he called home from then on.

He met his wife Sandy and they both fell head over heels in love. He always agreed to all her crazy ideas, and adventures, which included canoeing down the Zambezi in Africa, backpacking trips in the snow and rain, and bicycling for days and weeks across states and countries with little to no useful maps. He loved to tell funny stories about their bicycling trip from Prague to Budapest with Sandy and several close friends. He was an engaging host and became an astute sous chef during their frequent dinner parties for friends and family.

Maurice spent more than 40 years in the aerospace industry working with jet engines to unmanned aircraft. For the last 14 years he worked for General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Inc., where he often remarked that he loved his job and was fortunate to work next to his close friend Danny Banner every day.

Maurice was an avid sportsman. He played football from a young age and enjoyed skiing, mountain biking, camping, and golfing with his wife. He also played and coached competitive softball, going all the way to the Softball World Series.

Maurice was the kindest of men and was always willing to dedicate his time to help others. He was humble and unassumingly funny. When you least expected it, he could make you laugh and smile. He will be missed by so many friends, co workers and family. He is survived by his wife Sandy McBrayer, his sisters Desiree Gray and Angel Lawyer, his brother Ric Lawyer, many nieces and nephews, and by Sandy's family who welcomed him with open arms and hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Abdur Ali (Andre Lawyer). He will be forever remembered for his gentle spirit, easy smile, and laughter.

A celebration of life will take place in 2023

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the San Diego Council on Literacy www.literacysandiego.org