Obituary of Walton Moore Lawrence

Wink was a pioneer and a visionary, a man who thought and loved deeply, who took time to appreciate small miracles. He will be missed. Wink was a third generation Californian. He was born in San Francisco, grew up in San Mateo, and graduated from Burlingame High in 1965 following several mischievous years at Hotchkiss School in Connecticut. He served in the Navy from 1968 to 1969 as a personnelman before attending college at UC Berkeley and Santa Barbara. Early summers and ski adventures at his family's Pinecrest Lake cabin instilled a love of nature and outdoor skills. Wink was an expert skier, delighting in the thrill of speeding down black diamond runs. He extended his love of soaring by building his own hanglider, becoming a true pioneer while living in Palo Alto and Santa Barbara. In his '59 Ford Panel truck, the 'Mighty Condor', he traveled to Mexico and the deserts and mountains of the west, exploring back roads and camping. Later, with his family, Wink drove a tent trailer into remote forests and meadows, enjoying the quiet of pristine nature. Inquisitive and independent, then taught himself auto mechanics, plumbing and electrical skills, and was a residential electrician for 25 years. He moved to Santa Cruz in 1973 and owner-built a home on the westside with his wife, using many recycled materials. Wink was a regular visitor at the Santa Cruz Flea Market, fascinated by the variety of mechanical and artistic wares. He loved a good tool. Later, he spent more time perusing yard sales, especially enjoying happenstance conversations. He could spot a 'deal' a mile away. He also loved going to '49er games, and was a third generation season ticket holder known for his aggressive encouragement of the team and spirited critique of the referees. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary Edith Ingraham, daughters Rosalie and Flora, and brother Randy Lawrence of Davidson, NC. A memorial celebration will be held on December 17 at 1 pm at Chaminade. Please bring photos and stories to share. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to UCSC Arboretum or the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).