Ronald W. Lawson

Ron was born on November 12, 1929 in Salt Lake City to William and Elizabeth Lawson, who met in Utah after having immigrated to the United States from Scotland. When Ron was a young boy, the Lawsons moved to San Diego and welcomed three more sons into the family: Alan, David, and Douglas. Ron’s father was a butcher and a concert violinist who played in the Utah State Symphony and the San Diego Symphony Orchestras. His mother was a talented seamstress and worked several years as a cashier at Mister A’s restaurant in San Diego.

Ron graduated from La Jolla High School in 1946 at the age of 16. During World War II, there was concern about the risk of an air attack on San Diego from the Pacific. As a teenager, Ron was part of an aircraft spotting group that identified incoming planes atop the main lifeguard tower in Mission Beach.

Ron earned a bachelor’s degree in English from SDSU and planned to continue his studies. However, during the Korean War he was placed on active duty with the Army National Guard and served in Japan and Korea as part of the 140th AAA Battery. Upon returning from Korea, Ron worked in the aircraft industry in San Diego. Ron attended SDSU to gain his master’s degree while working the night shift at Convair. Later, he continued his graduate studies at UCLA and UC Berkeley.

Ron began his 45-year-long teaching career at Chula Vista High School in 1955. He taught classes in drafting and English and led the yearbook staff. He became one of the original staff members at Southwestern College in 1961, where he primarily taught photography courses but also held a variety of other positions including newspaper and magazine advisor, director of public relations, and journalism teacher. For 25 years Ron announced Southwestern home football games. Ron loved introducing his students to the art of photography and was always happy to hear from former students about how much they enjoyed his classes.

Ron was an avid reader and a lifelong sports fan who was always eager to share his passion for football and golf. Ron’s interest in architecture led him to the NewSchool of Architecture where he taught students how to highlight the beauty of architecture through the camera lens.

Ron married his beloved wife Sharon on August 14, 1965. Ron always said his best decision in life was marrying Sharon and his smartest decision was becoming a teacher. Ron and Sharon had three children.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" and Elizabeth "Betty", and by his brothers Alan and David. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his brother Doug (Marquita), his children Ronald (Yvonne), Suzie, and Robert (Cassie), and his five grandchildren.

Memorial services have been postponed until further notice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ron Lawson Memorial Scholarship for Southwestern College photography students. Checks can be made payable to Southwestern College Foundation, and in the memo section, please note Ron Lawson Memorial Scholarship. Address: 900 Otay Lakes Road, Room 12-103, Chula Vista, CA 91910.