Lawrence James "Lj" Leyvas

Lawrence James Leyvas, affectionately known as "LJ," was born on April 14, 2004, in Bakersfield, California, and became an angel on October 6, 2024.
Lawrence was a radiant young man, cherished by all who knew him for his beautiful soul and charming demeanor. He found joy in watching football with his dad, spending time at the shooting range with his brother, dad, and uncles, and creating lasting memories with friends. Above all, his greatest happiness came from being with the love of his life, and fiancée Paige Velez. Whenever Paige entered the room, Lawrence's smile would light up, revealing the depth of his love for her.
A caring and compassionate individual, Lawrence had an innate ability to sense when someone was feeling down. He would lend an ear and offer words of encouragement, ensuring those he loved felt supported. He often expressed pride in his older brother, shared warm hugs with his sister and mother, and playfully kissed his dad on the cheek, reminding everyone of the strength of their bond. He was fiercely protective of his family, friends, and fiancée, always willing to step in and help those in need. Lawrence was known for his remarkable generosity, consistently giving back to his community through various charitable efforts. He actively participated in an annual donation drive for children at the homeless shelter in Bakersfield and generously supported numerous causes, including providing clean water to 1,050 children in Cambodia, shelter for 20 children, and aid for firefighters injured in action. His contributions extended to emergency relief for Turkey and Syria, efforts to protect children in Ukraine and India, and initiatives to rebuild lives impacted by homelessness and regularly donated to countless other charities.
Lawrence was not only a gentleman who opened doors for others but also a source of happiness to those around him. His laughter was infectious, and his positive spirit drew people near, making every gathering brighter.
A dedicated student at Bakersfield College, Lawrence was pursuing a degree in Auto Mechanics with dreams of opening his own shop one day. His passion for classic cars shone through as he enjoyed attending car shows and sharing his knowledge with family. While working part-time, he was diligently saving money to buy a house with his fiancée Paige, showcasing his commitment to their future together.
Lawrence is survived by his fiancée, Paige Velez; his parents, Larry and Christy Leyvas; his siblings, Adam Hill, Savannah Leyvas, and Carley Willard; his nephews, Mateo and Sebastian; his niece, Nova; and numerous family members who loved him dearly.
Lawrence's memory will forever be cherished, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was, "JUST BUILT DIFFERENT"