Our sunshine, our laughter, our dearest Dad and Grandpa passed away on October 11 2014, surrounded by his loving "tribe". He was 90 years old.

Wayne Arthur Lawson was born on September 6, 1924 in Renton, Washington to Lloyd and Blanche Lawson. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to Kittitas, Washington where his dad operated the Milwaukee Road substation. In school he loved history, debate, basketball, music, and Mary Jane Harris, to whom he was married in 1943. He majored in music at Central Washington University before joining the US Army Signal Corps stationed at both Annette Island, Alaska, and the Federal Building in Seattle from 1942-45. He then worked at the Washington State Patrol in Ellensburg, State Farm Insurance in Bremerton, the Milwaukee Railroad and Peter Pan Seafoods in Seattle.

Our Dad was an amazing man who taught us through example the importance of optimism and humor, Christian Science's positive thoughts and healing power, of constructive debate, hard work, responsibility, love of music, and most of all the importance of friends, being friendly, of being loved, loving, and lovable.

He touched many lives: ours, his colleagues, even fellow commuters. Jean Godden's August 2, 1989 column recounted our Dad's retirement party on the #225 bus bound from Seattle to Bellevue complete with streamers, balloons, and treats. He found friends everywhere and though dementia claimed so much, it never took away his positive outlook. His few remaining words always included, "I'm lucky" and "Good people".

Wayne was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Jane, and his brother Leonard. He is survived by his brother Gene Lawson (Vera) of Ellensburg, his three daughters, Kathryn Berry (Dick), Susan Gladfelter (Michael), Madora Lawson (Steve Worthy), and son Wayne, Jr. (Mary A.), 6 grandchildren, Rich Berry (Amy), John Berry (Marissa), Mike Gladfelter, Jr. (Andrea Hardesty),Kristin Gladfelter (Ed Johnson), Elise Worthy (Bookis Smuin), and Brittany Lawson, and 6 great grandchildren, Chloe and Tyler Berry, Richie and Jillian Berry, Tennessee Hardesty, and Isaac Bookis Worthy.

We love you, Dad.