Peter David Anslow Lawson
“That’s how we roll!” Peter would say, raising his hand in the air with a smile. And, roll he did. With friends, he’d be off on a challenging outdoor adventure, most often on a bike. Strong, handsome, happy, and with a quick dry wit, adventures were always better with Peter.
During the early hours of his 63rd birthday, Peter David Anslow Lawson peacefully passed away with his loving wife Lisa by his side. Peter lived with ALS for a remarkable 20 years keeping the disease mostly at bay for 17 years with optimism, grace and a determination to maintain his active lifestyle.
Born in San Francisco to Robert C. Lawson, DVM and Wendy S. Lawson, his first seven years were on ranches in Petaluma and Santa Ynez before settling into the Montecito area. Nestled among the oaks, their beautiful home was filled with antiques from Ireland. Thanks to his father, horses, dogs and cats were everywhere providing a bit of chaos that amused Peter and started a connection to animals that would last a lifetime. His doting parents and Irish nanny Molly gave him a proper upbringing, dressing his adorable young self in blazers and short pants, teaching him good manners, taking him to family events in Ireland and beyond.
Peter graduated from Laguna Blanca School in 1980. He attended Menlo College, earned his AA at SBCC, and completed a BS in Geography from San Diego State University. A member of Lambda Chi Alpha, he made dear friends at school and developed an interest in urban planning. His first career job was with Ventura County APCD enforcing air pollution regulations in the field. That didn’t deter him from public service and in 1998 he began work with Santa Barbara County Planning becoming fast friends with colleagues who remember him as not only dedicated, conscientious, and professional but also as the guy who would help anybody with anything. He mentored a number of young planners who gained from his insights and wisdom. His dry sense of humor left a legacy of funny stories. In 2006 he became Associate Planner with the City of Santa Barbara where he found a supervisor who shared his sense of humor while working on some of the most complex development projects in town. His work and coworkers meant a great deal to him and he was proud of his contributions to Santa Barbara.
Outside of work, friends bonded over outdoor adventures. Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, cycling was where it began. He was most proud of summiting Mt. Whitney, completing the Bicycle Tour of Colorado (475 mi and 1000s of feet climbing), finishing the Vineman Half-Ironman and Santa Barbara Triathlon. Impressive as these feats are, they were just the highlights. Every spare moment for many years was filled with cycling adventures, running events and triathlons. Life was good and it was how he rolled.
Peter cared for his mother and Molly when they had health issues in the late 1990s. In a short period of time, both passed and Peter moved back to his childhood home in Romero Canyon hoping to find a way for he and his brother Chip to live on the property long term.
In 2005 he began cycling with Lisa who shared his wider group of athletic friends. The bike rides around town led to dinners and concerts despite family and professional obligations. After competing in the SB Triathlon as a relay team that year, they began an enduring and loving partnership that would thrive for 20 years. Peter was wonderful at finding 100K organized rides in cool places and they enjoyed innumerable weekends away. Bike shops, brew pubs, coffee shops were always on the agenda. Eventually, the dog joined the party adding to the fun. Events expanded to ½ marathons for Lisa and challenging bike climbs for Peter, often including friends and family.
In 2011, the Romero property was sold and while sad, Peter was content with the respectful renovation completed by the new owners. Chip found a home nearby and Peter joined Lisa at her home in Santa Barbara. Medical appointments dotted their calendar throughout these years but they continued on enjoying an active life together. 2019 and 2020 were years of joy and loss, respectively, when they married and Chip passed away. The pandemic and retirement coincided and the last years were quiet ones. Home became a sanctuary with time spent walking in the garden, watching all things cycling and raising a boxer puppy.
It would be remiss not to mention the great love Peter had for the pets in his life. His first Boxer dog, Simon, outdid his sense of humor ten times over and led to Bruce, then Maddie, who survives him. Harley, his black cat, who would greet him by jumping off the roof onto the hood of his car, held a special place in his heart. Siena, the calico cat he chose for Lisa also lives on.
Peter is survived by his wife Lisa Hall, brother-in-law Jeff Hall (Lori), stepmother-in-law Linda Hall, extended family in Colorado and cousins across the globe. Memorial services are not planned at this time. A dear cousin has arranged for a Catholic Mass to be said in his honor at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Vancouver, B.C. Loved ones are grateful for the care provided by the UCSF ALS Center and VNA Hospice.
To honor Peter, consider donating to an organization that makes life better for dogs or cats. Peter lived a full and amazing life. Wherever he went in town, he’d hear someone say “Hey, Pete” and he would respond with a nod and that sweet smile. This kind and gentle man carried a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes, revealing a hope that this lovely life would go on forever. He will be greatly missed.
