Richard A. (Rick) Lawrence, 62, lost his courageous battle with cancer, on March 18, 2015, at home with his wife by his side. Rick was born on May 21, 1952 to Robert and Bonnie Lawrence.
He graduated from W. F. West High School in 1971. Then, Rick served in the Navy from 1972-1974 and Naval Reserves till 1977. He was a member of the American Legion, Chehalis Post. He retired from the City of Centralia, just short of 35 years, as supervisor for the Parks Department. He met his future wife, Kim (Stedham) when they were teenagers. They were married June 10, 1978 and shared over 40 years together.
Rick is survived by his wife, Kim; son, Jacy (Darci) Lawrence; grandchildren, Alexis, Lacie and McKenzie; daughter, Keziah (Dean Blanksma) Lawrence; grandchildren, Julia and Quentin; brother, David (Donna) Lawrence; sister, Jennifer (Cevin) Gourley; father-in-law, Robert Stedham; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cheryl (Jim) Smith and Judy (Richard) Snyder; special nephew, Wade Van Quaethem; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
He was a very dedicated husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many. If you needed a hand, he was always available. Rick will truly be missed by all that knew him. He loved working on his property and had a knack for landscaping and made his place a park setting for family and friends to enjoy. His highlight was his pond and covered fire pit area for relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends and he had many. He always had time to let his grandchildren ride with him on his backhoe or on his mower, or take them out in the kayak on the pond.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Kathleen.
A celebration of life potluck will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Newaukum Grange, 710 Hwy 603, Chehalis, WA 98532, Please bring any special memories to share.
Special thanks to Assured Hospice and all the wonderful nurses and doctors that took care of him during his illness.
