Bill Lawrence

1931 - 2013

Lawrence, Bill (birth name Willi Lorenz Stich), passed away on November 2, 2013. He was born March 24, 1931, in Cologne Germany, to Elizabeth (nee Weiss) and Wilheim Stich. He is survived by his admiring wife of 22 years, Rebecca (nee Mills); children and step-children, Susanne, Richard, Kirstin, Miriam, Gene, Craig, Courtney and Shannon; and numerous grandchildren.

Bill is an internationally known musician and designer. As a guitarist, he performed with many of the jazz greats, like Sonny Stitt and Roy Eldridge. Bill began his career in the musical manufacturing industry at twenty one years old as an endorser with his Framus Signature Guitar (Billy Lorento) in Germany. He moved to the USA in the lates sixties. At 72, Bill's new guitar pickup design was used in the Fender 2004 American Deluxe Guitars and Basses which became a best seller. Bill continued to work with his wife to design and manufacture at their California workshop

Memorial service to be held Friday Nov. 8. 3:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana. In lieu of flowers, donations in tribute to Bill Lawrence and his love for teaching may be sent the non-profit Khan Academy. www.fairhavenmemorial.com