Earl Edman Lamson II

Dec 20, 1949 -

June 2, 2020

Earl E. Lamson II of Captain Cook, Hawaii, died following a stroke on June 2, 2020.

Earl was born on Dec. 20, 1949, in La Junta, Colo., to Earl and Bernice Lamson. During his youth, Earl's family lived in Colorado, Montana, Nevada and eventually moved to Alaska when he was 16. At 17, he met the love of his life, Gail Hodge, and they were married 4 years later in 1971. They built a life together that included two children and a spirit of standing side-by-side in all adventures, whether work or pleasure. As a young adult, Earl followed his father's footsteps and became a bricklayer. In 1979, he became a commercial salmon fisherman, again following his father's passion, in Cook Inlet, Alaska. He and Gail, with their children alongside, continued this business for 19 years. Simultaneously, he went back to school and became a Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, taking advantage of the incredible mechanical aptitude he inherited from his father, after which he and Gail owned and operated a small airplane repair business

After the kids were grown, in 2005, they followed their dream of moving to Hawaii. They bought 5 acres of subtropical rainforest and side-by-side they turned it into a retreat for all the family to visit, surrounded by fruits, flowers, coffee and macadamia nut trees. In retirement, his grandchildren became his greatest joy.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Jim. He is survived by his daughter, Tori Brandon (Barry) of Anchorage, Alaska; and his son, Earl III (Zhenia Ball) of Beaverton, Ore.; brothers, Orville (Nancy) of Big Lake and Lewis (Patti) of Eagle River, Alaska; granddaughters, Shelby, Campbell and Keira Brandon and Lucia and Taisiya Ball; and grandson, Earl IV.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.