Kenneth Gerald Lawson

1940 - 2023

Kenneth Gerald Lawson
October 29, 1940 - August 18, 2023
Kenneth Gerald Lawson, beloved husband, father, grand and great-grandfather passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023, after a courageous 8-year battle with Parkinson's that became further challenged by a recent diagnosis of esophageal cancer. He was 82 years old and grateful for every day of his life.

Ken was born to Elmer and June (Sering) Lawson on October 29, 1940, and grew up in Ft. Bragg, CA. He had a younger brother Craig. Both Craig and their parents preceded him in death. Ken was raised at the heels of his beloved grandfather Jacob on the family ranch and attended school there, graduating from Ft. Bragg High in 1958. Immediately following Ken enlisted in the Navy, he served his time in Naval Aviation as an Aircrewman on board the USS Midway. He was always proud of his time in the Navy even when it was not popular, he remained very patriotic throughout his life.

After his time in the military Ken returned to Ft. Bragg, eventually moving to Santa Rosa where he lived the remainder of his life. Following the Navy, he attended SRJC until he found his calling in the lumber industry. He worked his 40-year career for two locally owned lumber yards spending his days driving the roads of Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Humbolt Counties picking up and delivering lumber for local contractors building the homes and businesses in Sonoma County.

After getting married and at the age of 32 he welcomed his first son Timothy Gerald in 1972 and soon celebrated the arrival of his second son Gary Jacob in 1975. Time spent with the boys was filled with, time at little league games, building the family home, spending time at the family property, traveling and creating lifetime memories. Tim preceded his dad in death in 2001 following a military training accident while serving in the Marine Corps. In 1990 Ken met Candace and they married in 1996. They have spent 33 years living their life surrounded by their blended family and enjoyed watching it grow to include not only their four children but eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ken had many hobbies, he enjoyed reading, watching the news, Giants baseball, old westerns and cartoons with the grands, hunting with his boys, abalone diving and working with wood whether that was building pallets, cutting firewood, or sharing the kindling he made by giving it away to friends. Ken was blessed with many wonderful friends, some of whom spanned his entire life, others that came to him through work or by way of life events. He loved to share stories of his life and adventures along with lessons he had learned and always enjoyed sharing time with others.

Ken's favorite pastime was time spent with his family, he enjoyed holiday celebrations, birthday parties, graduations, little league, making apple cider and football games the grandchildren played in and so much more. His favorite was family dinners on Sundays, there was nothing he enjoyed more than a cold winter day that would call for him pulling out his oversized soup pot and making his infamous meatball soup for the family. No one left without leftovers that could last for days.

Ken is survived by his wife, Candace, of 27 years, son Gary (Amy) with grandchildren Benjamin, Samuel and Audrey, stepson James (Kristin) with grandchildren Kody, Kory and great-granddaughter Paisley and stepdaughter Colleen (Gary) with grandchildren Emma, Amber, and Landon. He is also survived by his wife's loving family who reside in Hollister, CA, and Portland, OR. Ken felt he had many accomplishments in his life, his greatest was the family he and Candace shared, he had enormous joy and pride when it came to the family that surrounded him. He will be missed by them all.

At Ken's request, no life celebration or services will be held, instead, he asks that you take time out to spend it with a child, grandchild or loved one and do something you love and do it in his memory. The family wishes to thank Dr. Max Duncan who helped Ken wage his battle over the last eight years, Greg Monroe with Veterans Services, Sutter Hospice and a very special thank you to Michael with Accent Care for his gentle bedside manner. Memorial contributions are suggested to Sutter Hospice of Sonoma County, St Jude Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice.