Julie, Laresa, and John, Justin was one of my first, true, childhood friends. We played swords, soccer, skating, swimming, and back yard adventuring.  Justin and I took Jeremy Peyton on a surf trip to San Diego, where Justin proudly showed us his stomping grounds, his roommate's pet Iguana, and the first Indian drum circle I'd ever seen.  We spent the night at Jeremy's uncles house in a strange tree house type of neighborhood.  Justin and I were amazed that the African butterfly and spider collection he had.  On the way there, we found a cheap two-bit hotel ran by and even cheaper motel owner, who knew we were trying to get a room for three people for the price of one.  We convinced Justin to go in and make the pitch. The lady didn't believe it, so she watched from the window while Justin went back to the suburban and then up to the room.  Jeremy and I were walking up the stairs when the owner confronted Justin about our scam.  Jeremy and I started filming with an old VHS recorder and we were laughing hysterically at Justin getting yelled at by a little Korean woman.  We were laying down on the stairwell with just the camera lens and our head popped up, when the room next to us flew up--An unshaven half-drunk, beer bellied guy stood in the doorway in his tighty whities, while he shouted, 'YOU MF'ers WANNA DANCE!?"  Jeremy and I looked at each other and laughed after Jeremy made a weird frog voice and croaked, "No....?"  The guy screamed at us to leave.  The lady started yelling at Justin and us to leave.  

We went surfing one day and while we surfed, we noticed Justin was gone.   We figured he went in so we got to shore, but no Justin.  Walking to the car, two Coast guard helicopters roared out to the ocean, and then a boat, and we heard radio traffic.  About 15 minutes later, Justin showed up looking sheepish, but he said he got sucked out in a huge rip tide.  We laughed and patted him on the back and got out of there before we got a bill from the State.

I admired Justin's keen intellect and his love to read and understand life and the Bible.  When our days here are finally over, we will be reunited again, but in healthy bodies and in a great place.  Love to your family.

John, Julie, Laresa and the whole Rawson clan, we are heartsick to learn of Justin's passing.  

We have such fond memories of our family times when the children were youngsters, although we didn't get to know Justin in his adulthood.  How wonderful that he left such a beautiful mark on so many lives.  

We offer our warmest thoughts, prayers and condolences. 

My heart goes out to you and your family. I’ve been praying for you all. My mom was just recounting over the phone how much Justin loved you and looked up to you, Lareasa -that he was so excited to see his sissy when you’d been apart.  And Sra. Rawson/Julie, you are such a beautiful example of a strong, gracious, loving mother.  I wish I could hug you right now.  I’d hug you and not let go for a good 20 minutes and just sit and cry.   I’m so glad you were sharing these beautiful memories.  

Love you, Alissa

Julie and Laresa,

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of Justin and will keep you both and all the family in my thoughts and prayers. 

Gerri Elixman (Shaw)