Herbert Sandy Lawson

Herbert Sandy Lawson (1948-2026) passed away peacefully in the company of loved ones on February 24, 2026, in Golden, Colorado. Though recently challenged by the adversity of late-stage Parkinson's, his illness would prove insignificant in comparison to a long life he otherwise enjoyed to its fullest.

Born on September 23, 1948, to Herb and Annette Lawson, Sandy grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. To describe his youth as "All-American" would be a bit of an understatement. Sandy would enthusiastically run for student body elections during the day, run victorious plays for the Hillsboro High football team during Friday Night Lights, and still possess the energy to make another run to the nearest dance or social event to continue mastering the practice of Southern charm.

A lifetime fascination with the West beckoned Sandy to the University of Colorado. During his time at CU in Boulder, he studied accounting, served in the Army National Guard, and met his first wife, Deborah Hockensmith-Lawson. Upon graduation, Sandy and Debby chose to settle in Colorado, where they would have two children, Christopher Allen & Frank Ryan. Although their marriage would end early, Sandy and Debby would remain friends throughout their lives and eventually celebrate together as grandparents to Georgia Lawson. Debby would pass away in 2023. Sandy was fortunate to experience the love that came with two marriages at later points in his life. These partners were Carol and Joyce, who both survive him. Sandy would always cherish these wonderful relationships and many happy memories. In recent years, Sandy reconnected with childhood sweetheart, Martha, who was his companion in his golden years until his passing.

Sandy had numerous passions in life that he pursued with complete commitment - too many to list here. But just a few examples include: 1) bold business ventures; 2) driving staggeringly long and seemingly unnecessary distances by car; 3) the eventual establishment of a political system solely benefitting Golden Retrievers and the owners who love them; and 4) the invention of a secret machine that might one day make his adult sons see the error of their ways, instantly converting them to his own political thinking. After inspirational years of hard work, how did these efforts turn out? When it came to his bold business ventures, he likely succeeded beyond his wildest expectations. As for the inhuman accumulation of tire mileage, most auto manufacturers will likely confirm that Sandy shattered countless land-distance records nobody thought to track. When it comes to the empire reserved for Golden Retrievers and their loyal owners, Sandy would likely whisper confidentially that the revolution is underway, and that you should adopt your own Golden before you wake up on the wrong side of history. As for the secret weapon to convert his "Lefty" sons? Those were the only details he refused to share before departing, because "the device will only really work if neither of the boys sees it coming."

Herbert Sandy Lawson was a son, a father, a partner, and a friend. We all loved him very much and will miss him greatly.

A gathering to celebrate Sandy's life will be held this Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 1418 Ford Street; Golden, Colorado 80401 (Small White House / Street Parking Outside).