William Lewis Lawrie, MD March 16, 1928 – March 9, 2026

Beverly Yvonne Bray Lawrie August 16, 1930 – March 11, 2026

Santa Cruz, California

Dr. William Lewis Lawrie passed away on March 9, 2026, in Santa Cruz, California, at the age of 97, due to complications from influenza and respiratory failure. Just two days later, on March 11, 2026, his beloved wife of 70 years, Beverly Yvonne Lawrie, passed away at the age of 95 from the same illness. They both passed peacefully at home, surrounded by their loving family.

William was born on March 16, 1928, in Fresno, California, to William Harris Lawrie and Decima Geraldine Webb. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Jerry Lawrie. Beverly was born on August 16, 1930, in Oakland, California, to Leon Garfield Bray and Allyce Christine Nielsen, and was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Wade.

Together, Bill and Bev built a beautiful life centered on family, love, and service. They made their home in Santa Cruz for over 50 years, where they owned and operated a family business. Their home was a cherished gathering place—filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love.

They are lovingly survived by their four children: Deborah Lawrie Furlong and her husband Mick; Craig Lawrie and his wife Stacy; Shelley Lawrie; and Stacey Lawrie Chapman and her husband Wes. They also leave behind six grandchildren—Aaron Flores, Corey and Brian Elliff, Chris and Beau Lawrie, Lilly Chapman—and seven great-grandchildren, along with five nephews and two nieces.

They are also fondly remembered by their dear friend and neighbor, Liliane Molda.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War as part of the Ranger Airborne and the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. He went on to dedicate his professional life to medicine, earning respect for his work in private practice and later as the head of an emergency department, concluding his career in corporate medicine.

Bev was a devoted partner in both life and business, serving as Chief Financial Officer of their family business. She was known for her strength, grace, and steadfast support.

Together, they were admired for their generosity, kindness, resilience, and deep love for animals. They especially treasured hosting family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays—creating traditions that will continue for generations.

In recent years, some of their most cherished moments were spent together on their front porch during “wine time,” sharing stories of their early years in Fresno, Bill’s experiences during the Korean War, and his long career in medicine. They delighted in the simple joys of watching squirrels, rabbits, quail, doves, and other wildlife.

Though deeply missed, their family will continue the tradition of time on the porch, raising a glass in their honor and celebrating a life well lived—and a love that endured more than 70 years.

A private family service was held on March 16, 2026, at Santa Cruz Memorial Mausoleum.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Cruz Hospice, 940 Disc Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95066.