Barry James Lawson Obituary (1944 - 2023)

According to his birth certificate, Barry J. Lawson was born on August 19, 1944, in a car at the hospital door in Greenville, California, to Albert and Nellie Lawson. He died on February 8, 2023, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City, Oregon. Barry graduated from Central High School in Independence, Oregon, in 1962. He joined the army for three years. After his tour of duty, he joined the Oregon State Police and was assigned to the OSP office in Milwaukie, Oregon, in 1967. He worked his way through the ranks and retired as the Criminal Lieutenant at the District 4 Headquarters in Baker City, Oregon, in 1992. After retiring, Barry worked in Alaska, operating a fishing tender, transporting salmon to a cannery in the Bristol Bay Area of Alaska. When it was time for a new adventure, Barry bought his own 6 pack charter boat and started a fishing guide business out of Auk Bay, Alaska. Barry loved hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, snowmobiling, and anything else that could be done outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Betty sue; his sister Fran of Salem, Oregon; his son's Matt of Silverton, Oregon, and Brad of Houston, Texas. Eight grandchildren also survive him. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or the American Alzheimer's Association through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814. At Barry's request, there will be no public service.