Thomas "Scott" LAWTON

Scott Lawton rode his last wave beautifully on Friday, January 28, 2011 at County Line, Ventura.

Scott was born on Sept 26, 1945 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Tom and Margaret Lawton. The Lawton family moved to California in 1961. Scott settled in Simi Valley with his family in 1981.

Up until he passed away, Scott worked as an Account Executive for Executive Leasing in Culver City. He had been with the Company for over xx years. His co-workers affectionately named him “the Weatherman”, as he was always monitoring the weather so he could track the surf conditions!

Scott was a long time, over forty year member and Leader in the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist movement linking more than 12 million people around the world. He was a Pioneer who helped facilitate the growth of the organization, specifically in the San Fernando Valley.

Not only was Scott passionate about his Buddhist practice, of which he mentored hundreds of people over the years, he was also in love with Surfing.  Although he didn’t become fully proficient at it until he reached his teens, Scott was first introduced to the sport by his Father around the age of 10. His Father was a long time Surfer who continued his love of the sport up to the age of 73. Scott also passed down this love of Surfing to his Son, Morgan, now 32. They spent many a day hitting the beach and catching waves together. He taught him everything he knew about the sport. And, Scott didn’t just stop with his Son, he also encouraged many young men, friends of his Son’s or friends of friends to take up the sport. His warmth, enthusiasm and general good spirit was indeed catching and he was loved by all for it.

Scott was a member of the prestigious Malibu Surfing Association, something of which he was very proud of. He participated in many Surfing Contests over the last 22 years and was well respected and admired in the Surfing community.

Scott leaves behind his wife of 36 years Ronnee, Son Morgan, and he was a big Brother to Jay Lawton, Steve Lawton, Sally Robison, Patti Massey and Terri Hill. He was a beloved Uncle to Eric Massey, Sean Robison, Jessica Mellinger, Autum Born, Monique Guyot, Brigitta Weidner, Phoenix Lawton, Dylan Hill and Chanel Hill.

Scott’s leaves behind a legacy of family, Surfing, friendship and unconditional love. He will be missed terribly.

A celebration of Scott’s life was held at Jay Lawton’s home on Saturday, Feb. 5th for family and close friends. A Memorial and Paddle Out sponsored by the Malibu Surfing Association is planned for Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. A final tribute will be held in early March at the Daisaku Ikeda Center in Santa Monica. 

 Scott’s family would like to recognize Mike Nguyen, who was with Scott that day and came to his aid. Mike, thank you for being there and sharing those last moments with all of us.

Donations in Scott’s honor can be made to the Surfrider Foundation.