Richard Lawson

Richard Alan Lawson (Rich) moved to the next chapter of his life from his home in Sunnyvale, CA on August 21st, 2021 at the age of 86 holding the hand of his devoted wife of 32 years, Vicky. He left her a love note almost every single day they were together. They had a one of a kind love story for sure as is so clear by his devotion and words from his heart and poetry to her. Rich was born in Kansas City, MO in 1935 during the Great Depression. He was predeceased by his parents, Jessie and Wilbur Lawson; his daughter-in-law, Paula; and his older sister, Jane Louise. He loved his three children, Richard Jr of Troy, MI, Karl (Lisa) of Clarkston, MI; and Karsten of Chicago, IL. Rich was especially proud of his grandson, Jack Henry, who lives in Tel Aviv, Israel. He had a special space in his heart for his sister-in-law and her husband, Mary Lou & Bret Waller; and best friends, Nanette, Dan, Rock, Steve and Mitch.

Rich grew up in a small town in Missouri, and as a child, he spent time with his dog going on hikes and exploring farms and woods. His favorite past times were playing the piano, reading, and writing poetry. Music intoxicated Rich and he once thought he might become a composer.

Rich’s first real job was as an engineer for Ford Motor Company. After getting his Masters in literature from Wayne State University, however, he followed his dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. His first teaching job in Michigan was at Roeper City & Country School, an innovative school for gifted children. Twelve years later he moved to California and found his perfect job at the Nueva Center for Learning in Hillsbourgh. His favorite subject was teaching his students about writing. He felt this was an important part of their education and their lives. He was turned on to the power of words and found that his days were never quite complete unless he had put pen to paper. He found that writing filled a certain place in his life and treated it as a friend.

Rich always enjoyed acting and performing. His most famous and challenging role was that of 3rd & 4th grade teacher at Nueva Center for Learning where he drew on all of his improvisational and professional skills for his long running role. A truly amazing teacher, he wrote 12 musicals-dramas usually based on folk or fairy tales with original songs and music so the students could display their special talents. As a testament to his devotion to his profession,

Rich was honored as a Disney Teacher of the Year semi-finalist in 1994. He touched and inspired the lives of so many students and their parents with his multiple skills and talents. He showed his students how to laugh, how to relish their creativity, and how to love writing and language.

After Rich retired he continued his love of poetry by writing and participating in numerous poetry readings, conferences and workshops. One of his poems was included in the book, A Passion for Teaching. In 2012 Rich self published his first book, The Tree in the Middle of the Playground about writing and understanding poetry. In 2015, his second book, Something about Missouri was published. Rich displayed his love every day with his gentle disposition, kind words, and beautiful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed but will always be remembered and celebrated in our hearts.

Rich wrote an early obituary, which included, “I hope that those I let down and disappointed, those I wasn’t nice to, and those I couldn’t reach will forgive me . . . I’ll miss some things a lot: classical music, jazz, reading, poetry and movies. I’ll miss martinis, and chocolate, and good coffee. I will miss my children and grandson. Most of all I’ll miss my wife, Vicky.”

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation In Memory of Rich Lawson at KDFC, Rich’s favorite classical music station. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.