01/26/2010: "Richard Lawson Has Passed"

Richard Lawson of San Juan Island has died. He had been fighting thyroid cancer for some time, but as was his style, he did not burden anyone with the news. He passed away early Tuesday morning, in hospital in Seattle

Richard was a former Friday Harbor Port Commissioner, an avid pilot of both fixed wing and helicopters and an outdoorsman that traveled to Africa, Australia, Alaska and countless other places in pursuit of the enjoyment of the outdoors.

Even before he became a highly successful business man with an excavation business, a sand and gravel manufacturer, and a land developer, Richard was well known for never turning down a community request, be it installing a flag pole for the library, or donating to any and all of the island causes.

To remember Richard is to remember a man with a stunning smile, a positive attitude and a no-holds barred approach to getting the job done; best exemplified by his famous response of “no problem” to any problem -no matter how daunting the challenge- while keeping a running commentary of jokes and good humored ribbing of anyone privileged to be called his friend.

A full obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

full obituary will be posted when it becomes available.
( J. Cory photo)