Richard Lawson

Richard Augustus Lawson died November 12th 2021, at St Mary’s in Grand Junction after a short illness.

Rich was born on June 21, 1949, in Staten Island, New York to Richard Charles and Erna Lawson. He grew up in a military family. Rich settled in Denver after leaving the Air Force.

Rich served in the United States Air Force from July 1968 to April 1973. He took great pride in his service as a Staff Sargent repairing support equipment for the F100’s in Vietnam. He was stationed in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam and was attached to an Army unit known as the “Swamp Rats”.

After his time in the service, he continued his career as a HVAC technician for School District 51 which was his profession for the next 24 years. During his years with the school district and up until his death he also served with the Civil Air Patrol where he received the rank of Major. Rich began working for the DAV in 2010. In 2014 he transferred over to the VA where he worked at EMS. Rich’s last position was as lead driver with the Veteran’s Transportation System at the VA hospital. Rich took great pride in being able to assist other Veteran’s on a daily basis.

Rich and Ruth met in Denver. Rich married the love of his life, Ruth Johnson on August 28th 1976 ,in Golden, Co. Rich and Ruth moved to Grand Junction in 1982. They renewed their wedding vows in Ouray, Co on June 17, 1993.

They have 3 amazing children, Bradley, Melissa, and Steven which they raised together in Grand Junction, Colorado. Rich and Ruth enjoyed bowling and were on leagues together, they also played darts and pool.  They enjoyed camping and fishing in their younger years.

Rich spent time with his sons, Bradley, and Steven, building models. He spent time with them during their times in the Scouts. He would take his daughter Melissa night fishing. She got him involved in the Search and Rescue group and he later became her liaison with the Mesa County Search and Rescue and the Sheriffs Dept.

Rich had a special talent in designing and engineering, which he would use to create toys for the kids as they grew up. Rich was very skilled at creating amazing Halloween costumes. Rich had a love for drawing and oil pastels in particular. He enjoyed being the prankster of the family and always made everyone laugh. Rich and Ruth enjoyed having game nights and evenings around the bon fire with family and friends.

Rich is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ruth; son Bradley; daughter Melissa (Chris) Brown; son Steven; sister June (Dan) McCorison; Sister-in-laws Carol Wiltse, Drina Johnson; Nephews Bart Angel, Evan Johnson, Chris Wiltse; Nieces Laura Myers, Ginger Shoffner, Penny Lascolette; Grandchildren Adrien, Logan, Morgan Brown. Extended family Lorna and Henry Ward, Emily and Carol Vetter. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard Charles and Erna Lawson.

Military services will be held on December 21, 2021, at 1pm at The Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery 2830 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, Co.  There will be a potluck celebration of life at 2:30pm following the services at the Eagle’s Lodge 1674 Highway 50 Grand Junction, Co.