Michael William Lawrence, passed away on October 24, 2011 at the age of 44.  Mike was born December 12, 1966 in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China, where his father was stationed as a U.S. Navy doctor.  In 1968 the family returned to California, settling first in Playa del Rey, and later in Westchester and Northridge.  In 1973, when his father completed his residency, the family moved to Moraga, California.  Mike attended Donald Rheem Elementary School, Joaquin Moraga Middle School, and graduated from Campolindo High School in 1985.  He attended Diablo Valley College for two years where he majored in art and achieved the Honors list in 1987.  During the summers he worked at Disneyland in the Custodial Guest Services department.

In 1987 Mike moved to Southern California, where he was close to the large extended family.  He was affectionately known as ML by family and close friends.  He attended classes at Fullerton College 1987 to 1989.  During that time he continued to work at Disneyland and was a Custodial Guest Services foreman from 1989 to 2000.  In 2000 he decided to explore a career in graphic arts.  Over the next years, he held various graphics jobs at Scantron Corporation, Gunther’s Athletic Service, and Outdoor Dimensions.  He also did some freelance graphic design work.

Mike always enjoyed being creative.  In addition to being a talented artist, he was also a talented writer.  He particularly enjoyed writing compositions and poetry, and even created some comics, which he would often illustrate.  While he was working at Disneyland he created comic illustrations called “Disney Daze” which were greatly enjoyed by his friends.

He is survived by a large and loving family, including his parents, Dr. William and Judy Lawrence of Moraga, brother David Lawrence of Orange, and numerous aunts and cousins who were his beloved second family.  He will forever live in our hearts and memories.