Raymond Merrill LAWRENCE

08/12/1925 - 09/06/2013

LAWRENCE, Raymond Merrill (Age 88) On September 6, 2013, Ray Lawrence passed away peacefully following surgery in Escondido, CA, surrounded by his family and friends. Ray was a devout Catholic, dedicated educator, loving father, grandfather, brother and caring friend. Ray had a fruitful life with many remarkable accomplishments. He was a persistent man and strongly encouraged people to strive to do their best and he was always willing to help them reach their "full potential." His favorite sayings included "seize the day" and "what have you done today for the good of the order?" Ray was born August 12, 1925 in Spokane, WA to Joseph and Florence Lawrence. Suffering from dyslexia, he found reading and learning to be difficult. As a result, his father sent both him and his brother Rowland to a Salt Lake City trade school. His brother didn't care for machine work, so they returned to Spokane and Ray finished high school. He enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Panama during the Korean War. After serving in the military, he returned to Spokane and graduated from Gonzaga University in 1954 with a Bachelor's degree in education. He immediately began his career as a teacher and principal in Five Mile Prairie outside of Spokane. In 1956, he married Phyllis Lorraine Maycumber of Republic, WA. Though he loved teaching, he hated the cold winters of Washington, so in 1958 he moved to Brawley, CA to work with his brother who was also a teacher there. In 1960, Ray moved his family to Escondido. He earned a Master's degree in Education from San Diego State University. He established Escondido's Adult school and Valley High Continuation School. To meet the growing educational needs as Escondido grew, he started the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and the ESL for Adult program. He also ran the summer school program for the high school. After retiring from the school district, he began his new career working with his sons in their small businesses. He said he had to keep working "because he had too many mouths to feed" which is partly true, but he really worked non-stop because "it's not work if you love it!" Ray and Phyllis had six children, but their house was home to many others over the years. Together, they displayed a genuine concern for anyone and everyone they met. They had an open door policy and as a result provided a secure place to live, sustenance and support for not only wandering adolescents and struggling adults but to immigrants searching for a better life. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, son Jonathan and both his brothers John and Rowland. He is survived by his son Christopher, his wife Michele, grandchildren Drew and Adele; his son Marc; his son Anthony and grandsons Zachary and Rex; his son Adrian, his wife Sheree and granddaughter Shelby; and his daughter Monica, her husband John Marmie and grandsons Isaiah and Ethan. Services will be held September 30th at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 2960 Canyon Road, Escondido. The Rosary will be said at 9:00 a.m. The funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, Ray requested that contributions be made to the City of Hope Cancer Institute at http://www.cityofhope.org/giving/