Clifford Anthony Lawson

Clifford Anthony Lawson passed away Monday, January 9, 2017 (11 Tevet 5777), at 88. Memorial services will be held Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 2 pm, in the Groman Eden Chapel of Groman Eden Mortuary. Services will be officiated by Rabbi Robert Elias. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Clifford's memory to City of Hope. www.cityofhope.org The United States Army Honor Guard will be presenting Honors.

Clifford Lawson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 25, 1928, to Louella (née Lucien) and Virtrum Lawson, 7th generation Americans of mixed African and Pacific Island origins. One of his grandparents was a full-blooded Blackfoot Native American Indian.

After graduation from High School at age 15, he went on to study pre-med at the University of Seattle, Washington; and was drafted into the United States Army where he spent the next four years serving as a small arms instructor in Hawaii. After an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army, Clifford explored life in 48 other states, ending his journey in Los Angeles, California. There in Los Angeles is where he met Arlene, and they were married in 1962. They were married 58 years. Their daughter Rachel was born in 1966. Rachel's love for Judaism inspired Clifford to formalize his Judaism as well.

Work in various customer services brought out the understanding and kindness that most remember him for. Involvement in Jewish Marriage Encounter and later in the Friendship Force of Los Angeles, brought many friends and much love into his life. He became known as "the world's best hugger". He loved traveling, not only with Friendship Force, but also on private trips and cruises he and Arlene enjoyed together.

He was a 280 average bowler, hitting 300 several times winning many trophies. He was two-handed ping pong player, a volunteer tennis instructor, and a bridge player, but his favorite pastime was playing poker with his friends.

He loved Hawaiian shirts, and rarely wore anything else. His favorite snack was Turtles; he rarely ate lunch, substituting strawberry malts instead.

He was a volunteer fund raiser for KCET, and for the City of Hope, where he made more friends. He loved to hand out $2 bills to see people's reactions. He was a proud blood donor with over 21 gallons to his credit.

He was known for rarely speaking, so when he did, people listened. He paid quiet attention to all that needed doing without fanfare or need for acknowledgment. When he observed what people needed, he extended care with grace and dignity. Kindness was the word we heard most often from those who will miss him.

His first and foremost love of his life was his wife, Arlene; his daughter, Rachel; his son-in-law, Mark, and his grandchildren, Steven (fiancée Angelina) and Rebekkah.

Arrangements under the direction of Groman Eden Mortuary, Mission Hills, CA.