David Harvey Lawrence

David Harvey Lawrence passed away on June 13, 2013 in Mesa, Arizona. Born in Olean, New York to Gordon and Dora (nee Archibald) Lawrence, David was born on April 16, 1928. Proudly serving his country during World War II, David enlisted in the Navy. He did a tour on a minesweeper. After meeting Laurie Rosenthal, his life was never the same. Laurie fell in love with David’s caring nature, and his wonderful sense of humor. Always having a joke ready, he was quick to make her laugh. The couple married in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on April 14, 1951 and spent 62 years adoring each other. After starting their life together in Chicago, they enjoyed going to concerts and jazz music was of a particular fondness for David. He enjoyed doing sound for the Blue Note Club. In 1951 Dave and Laurie relocated to Los Alamos, New Mexico. It was in Los Alamos that David worked on the hydrogen/nuclear bomb. He and his growing family had to live a top secret life, while he worked on changing the world. They lived there from 1951-1959, and it was there they had their 3 children. For most of their marriage, David and Laurie lived in southern California. Working as a pioneer in the sound system industry, David had a keenness for good music coming through beautifully. Traveling was a favorite activity among the Lawrence family. As a family, doing things together was paramount, and David imprinted this life lesson to his children. Boating on Lake Shasta was a favorite destination, and the U.S.S. Laundromat set sail often. Being an active father, David loved being a Boy Scout Leader. Wanting to impress the enormity of life to his family he woke his children up in the middle of the night to watch every NASA launch. He took the family to the opening of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and every Saturday they would watch the Leonard Bernstein Show together. By engaging his children in culture, he helped them become the adults he knew they could be. Having a crafty nature, David excelled in building anything. He was constantly building with the kids, showing them how hard work can turn into amazing things. Not having a typical mid-life crisis, David decided on a bet with a friend, to go out for training for the Los Angeles Police Department. He not only made it all the way through training, he was the Valedictorian for his class. He then served as a Reserve Officer from 1971-1981. In 2005, David and Laurie retired in Arizona. David will be missed for the positive influence he left on those around him. He is survived by his adoring wife, Laurie, children Kathleen (Michael) O’Sullivan, James (Jackie) Lawrence, and William (Patricia) Lawrence, and grandchildren Stacey, Jennifer, Jeff, and Vanessa, and great-grandchildren Tylor, and Trevor. A memorial service honoring David will be held on June 29, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on 612 South Ellsworth Road Mesa, Arizona 85208. Arrangements are entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care 6747 East Broadway Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480) 830-4422. The family asks that memories of David be shared on their website at www.MariposaGardens.com.