John Herbert Lawson

Dad - Poppy - Papa John - Pops - Unk John

John Herbert Lawson passed away peacefully at age 98 with his family by his side in Fresno, California. Born in Bend, Oregon to Barbara and Herbert Lawson, John attended school in Alexander Valley, California; Bend, Oregon; and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon.

John enlisted in the military and was inducted in 1945 on his 18th birthday. Eager to serve his country, he opted for the U.S. Navy, saying, “I like boats and clean beds!” He served as a Seaman First Class in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Upon discharge, he returned to California to study mechanical engineering and business at Santa Rosa Junior College.

In 1949, John began his professional career as a teller with the Bank of America in Healdsburg. This marked the beginning of a fulfilling 37-year career with the bank. Bank of America offered John opportunities to develop his skills throughout California with positions in Benicia, Suisun, Seaside, San Francisco, Bakersfield, Stockton, and finally Fresno where he earned the title of Vice President. His success was rooted in his approach to banking that emphasized public service over profit and, having grown up in agricultural communities, he especially enjoyed working with farmers and ranchers.

Also in 1949, John began building a family. He married Rita Colombano, the love of his life, whom he had met a few years earlier while helping with the Sonoma County apple harvest. Born an only child, John was pleased to be embraced with great love by Rita’s very large Italian family. Over the next 19 years, John and Rita welcomed three children. As the family relocated to support John’s career, they became valued members of each community, forming strong and lasting friendships along the way.

John and his wife were integral parts of “La Ganga” (a lifetime group of friends from Sonoma County), a Fresno-based Gourmet Group, and a fun-loving group of friends and former neighbors who made an annual camping trip to Morro Bay for 32 years. John was an active member of the North Fresno Rotary Club, the California Bankers’ Association, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Bullard High School Science Fair Program. In the 1990s, he also served for several years as chair of the Fresno County United Way.

John enjoyed a long, healthy retirement during which he continued to serve his community. He was active in the local Bank of America retirees’ group and led their efforts to support the Poverello House in providing meals to unhoused individuals. He was also active in the San Joaquin Fine Woodworkers’ Association where he championed efforts to make 100s of toys annually for children in need. His family and friends likewise benefitted from his wood-working talents.

In 2025, John and Rita celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. When asked about the secret of a long, happy marriage, John advised, “Be honest and have shared goals.” A quiet yet energetic man with a dry sense of humor and a full head of nearly-always perfectly-coiffed white hair, John enjoyed people and enriched the lives of those around him. He will be missed.

John is survived by his wife Rita Lawson of Fresno; by his children Vicki Lawson (Steve Botti) of Stanley, ID, Julie Lima (Tony) of Fresno, and David Lawson (Dinorah) of Carlsbad, CA; by his 4 grandchildren John Benjamin Botti (Kristy), Jessica Lion (Mike), Olivia Lawson, and Sofia Lawson; by his 3 great grandchildren Stellan Botti, Vance Botti, and London Lion.

John’s family wishes to thank the kind staff at Aspiring Care and Hinds LifeCare. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Poverello House, Hinds LifeCare, and the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Lawson family at www.whitehurstsullivan.com.