Lawrence T. Lane, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and educator, passed away peacefully on Aug. 18, 2025, after a long battle with heart disease and a brief fight with melanoma. He was 83 years old.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Larry graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1960 and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Long Beach State University.

In 1967, he moved to Santa Cruz County, where he began a 37-year career at Watsonville High School.

Starting as a social studies teacher, Larry later designed and implemented a popular cartography class. He also took immense pleasure in his role as the Manzanita yearbook advisor for several years.

Larry’s dedication to education and leadership ultimately led him to serve as principal; a role he held until his retirement in 2004.

Post retirement, Larry supported the Pajaro Valley Unified School District in a multitude of short-term administrative roles, and served for 20 years on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s Personnel Commission.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larry was a man of many passions. He had a lifelong love for car racing, enjoyed countless hours boating, and was a skilled calligrapher and woodworker.

Larry was married to his life-long friend and love Donna Doty Lane for 60 years. Together, they built a close-knit family: son Marty and daughter-in-law Caryn, and was a proud grandfather to Emma.

He is also survived by his brother John Lane and John’s wife Ruth; nieces Becky and Beth; and great-nieces Laney, Tessa and Stella, all of Santa Barbara.  He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Jeanne Lane; and sister Peggy Lane.

Larry will be remembered for his deep commitment to education and his love for learning. His legacy lives on in the lives of the students and educators he mentored, and the family he cherished.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s memory to the Watsonville High School Foundation or the Goleta Valley Historical Society.