Michael Lawler

OBITUARY

Mike was born at the U.S. Rodman Naval Station in the Panama Canal Zone to Norman and Avonola “Jane” Lawler, during his father’s active duty. Michael is survived by his sister Renee Lawler & Matthew Grayley, Long Beach CA; nieces and nephews, Trina Wiseman, Joshua Wiseman, David Wiseman, wife Savannah, Amerie Sage, Bailee, Rowan & Atlas Wiseman; Craig Hood, wife Samantha, Madeleine, Bryce & Ella Hood; Lisa Hood; Cindie Hood & Ryan Weinmann, Grant Weinmann; cousin “brother” Daniel Hansen, wife Pamela, Daniel and Eric Hansen. Son of the American Revolution, related to patriot John Grinter, and California’s 22nd Governor, James Gillett. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson H.S., on both cross-country & tennis teams he served ski patrol at June Mountain on the weekends. Michael earned a BS in Business Admin, major in Finance-Investment in 1982 from CSULB & emphasis in Accounting and Economics as well. B.P.O.E (Elks’ Lodge 888) member, licensed pilot, Amateur Radio Operator plus certifications in many disciplines including Water Auditor/Irrigation Specialist for CSULB for almost 30 years. Growing up in 1950s-1970s in Los Altos were the best of times for the “Montair gang”. Ditch-em, setting land-speed skate-board records, sky-larking in the back of Dad’s 1950’s Buick, 25 cent movies at the Navy base, flagging down Mr. Sherman’s Helms’ bakery truck, playing badminton in the backyard, football or over-the line at Whaley Park, Mike was there for it all. His creativity for games and contests, mechanical mind & MacGyver-like skills continued through-out his life and he excelled at all sports – hiking, biking, hockey, skate-boarding, skiing and tennis to name a few. Always eager to share what he learned, he was equally at ease teaching principles of flight, Chess strategies, investments, horticulture techniques or the best ice cream and his ultimate “goodly” cookie recipe. He lived life “eating dessert first” and pursued his interests with an intensity of wonder, creativity, and a spirit of curiosity one can only hope to emulate. He was a kind man with a shining gentle spirit filled with humor and quick wit. Flight was Michael’s passion. At a young age he achieved his pilot’s license spending many hours soaring over the sunny skies of Southern California. A skilled builder and designer of remote gliders he was often seen testing his latest model at the Bluffs at Ocean Blvd and Redondo. In case you were wondering, many UFOs spotted over the night skies may have been attributed to Michael during test launches. Life celebration in the sky box at Legend’s, Belmont Shore – noon, Sunday Feb 1st. On Feb 2nd at 10:30am off-shore scattering of ashes and on-shore the first annual Mike Lawler “ground hog day” memorial flight – calling all appropriate flying objects – gliders, kites..10 – 11am at the Bluffs, Ocean Blvd and Redondo.