“Love is the unselfish interest in the well-being of another.” 

That is the principle that Dana lived by until he passed away on June 2nd, 2024, in his home in Lancaster, California. Here are some moments from his life that were made meaningful because of the love and confidence he had to share during his educational, professional, and volunteering adventures.

Born on September 14, 1952, Dana grew up in Compton, California. Due to a head injury he experienced while running backward, he became blind when he was four years old. Dana didn't let this adversity stop him from pursuing excellence in his life. He graduated from John Marshall High School and then from Yale University  in 1974, where he earned a B.A. in mathematics, and then from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 1977. In fact, at Yale, the Dean asked him, "How can we be sure that you can do the work?" and in true Dana LaMon style, he replied, "Sir the only way you can absolutely be sure is to let me in!”

After law school, Dana worked in the office of Los Angeles City Councilwoman Pat

Russell. Then he served as the Executive Director of the Disabled Resources Center in

1978. In 1981, Dana began working as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Department of Social Services. Initially, his colleagues were concerned they would have to carry Dana's workload. However, within a year, they started calling him extraordinary. Dana responded, "I am just ordinary, but you say extra because you expected less from me." He didn't see himself as different. By believing in possibilities, leading with love, and committing to excellence, he went on to hear and write decisions for approximately 7,500 cases. Fewer than one hundred of his decisions were appealed, and of those few, most of the final judgments affirmed his conclusions. Dana retired in 2010.

In his quest to inspire, Dana LaMon began his career as a professional speaker in 1991.

In 1992 he won the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking. In 1993, Toastmasters added to his honor the designation of Accredited Speaker. He also was honored with the Presidential Citation. As a motivational speaker, Dana addressed audiences across the globe. From corporate executives to kindergarten students, from religious congregations to prison inmates, countless listeners felt affirmed in their potential for personal growth after hearing his presentations such as “Take a Chance,” “Saying Yes to Possibilities,” and “The Driving Force”. Dana authored four books offering readers inspiration for personal development and guidance for public speaking: The Soul’s Mirror, The Excellence Book, Master the Ceremonies, and Making the Moment Meaningful. During his speaking career, he enjoyed meeting people from all across the world and establishing meaningful lifelong friendships.

Throughout his life Dana dedicated himself to community organizations and public service. As an undergraduate student at Yale, he volunteered in New Haven public schools. After moving to the Antelope Valley in 1987, Dana mentored local high school students participating in speech competitions, mock trials, and Girls Build program, especially at Antelope Valley High School, Highland High School, and SOAR High School. In 2013, still driven by his unwavering commitment to give and serve with love, Dana began volunteering with Optimist International, an organization dedicated to helping children, where he mentored students to prepare for the speech competition. He had the honor to serve as Governor of the Pacific Southwest for Optimist International from 2016 to 2017.

Dana ran for the California State Senate and Antelope Valley Union High School District Board of Trustees in 2020. He enjoyed appearing as a co-host on the Café con Leche radio program with his friend Lilia Galindo.

Dana’s legacy of mentorship and leadership continues to inspire countless listeners and friends.

He is survived by his wife Erica B. LaMon; his children Dana C. LaMon, Winter L. LaMon, Anton H. LaMon, and Linnea P. Reyes LaMon; and his mother Eddie Mae LaMon.  He is also survived by his siblings Andre, Rochelle, Marcia, Jessie, and Terri; and many nephews and nieces.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/dana-lamon/obituary/

Copy