E.c. Lawrence

Dr. E.C. "Bill" Lawrence His entire family and vast community of friends and patients will lovingly miss Dr. E.C. "Bill" Lawrence, of Saratoga, age 85. Born in Salinas, California, May 25th, 1920, he departed this life March 11th, 2006. He leaves behind his devoted wife Betty, and six children: Mike, Gary, Mary, Susan, Barbara, and Joseph. Two other children, Mark and Stephanie, preceded him in death. Bill took his pre-med training at Santa Clara University. Later he received his M.D. from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. After graduation he returned to Valley Medical Hospital, San Jose, to complete internship. Because of WWII, he immediately entered the army. He was sent to Oklahoma, and then assigned to posts in the Philippines and Japan. Bill was a dedicated physician and surgeon in San Jose. He established his practice next door to his childhood home on Race Street. He practiced medicine for 51 years. His patients spanned four generations. He served on the staff of O'Connor Hospital for as many years and was O'Connor's Chief of Staff at one time. Bill was an antique car "nut". He collected and restored numerous pre-1916 cars, even a 1920s fire engine. He also owned early motorcycles and toured on them. When his mobility became limited, he assumed a front row seat to watch or guide other family members in the art of restoring cars. He was president of the Santa Clara Valley chapter of the Horseless Carriage Club of America several times and also served as the HCCA national president. He was creative in attending to family dilemmas. Once, he installed a phone booth in the house as an attempt to regulate phone use among his children. His grandchildren fondly remember the many "secret missions" they enjoyed with "papa". These missions were always laced in mystery and surprise. He was the ultimate family man. We will miss his quick wit and storytelling. Bill was married to Betty for 62 playful years. He had 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Berhane Haile-Salassie, who almost never left his side, cared for him 24/7 in the last year. Bill's life will be celebrated with a rosary on Thursday, March 16th, 7 pm, at Chapel of Flowers, 900 S. 2nd St. San Jose. On Friday, March 17th, a 9:30 a.m. mass will be said in his honor at Queen of Apostles Church, San Jose.