Lawson Patrick Martineau

Lawson P. Martineau, 88 of Devils Lake formerly of Pembina, ND died on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial for Lawson will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Robert Pecotte will celebrate the Mass. Graveside Services will be held in the Pembina Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday, August 28, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Lawson will be Tom Vilandre, Braxton Fox, Michael Adams, Roger Sanders, Steve Torpy and Jim Sanders. Lawson Patrick Martineau was born on August 26, 1918 in Grafton, ND the son of Patrick “Pat” and Hulda (Anderson) Martineau. He lived in Pembina County and graduated from Pembina High School in 1936. His parents were farmers and also his Dad was a veterinarian and Lawson was his helper. This was the start of Lawson’s love for animals and working with animals. Lawson was united in marriage to Valeria Anderson at Drayton, ND. They farmed in the Pembina area until Lawson entered the United States Navy in 1940. He served his country during World War II, stationed in San Diego, California. They made their home in San Diego and had one daughter, Sandra. After Lawson was honorably discharged, they continued to make their home in San Diego and Lawson worked at the San Diego Zoo for 37 years until he retired. Lawson was the back stage handler of many of the animals that Joan Embery brought from the San Diego Zoo to the Johnny Carson Show. He worked with many different animals but had a special fondness for the big cats. After Valeria passed away, Lawson later married Elizabeth Ekhaml. They made their home in Cascade, Idaho and San Diego but also after purchasing a motor home they did extensive traveling. Beth passed away on October 2, 2000. Lawson then moved to Devils Lake where he resided until his death. Left to mourn the loss of Lawson is his daughter, Sandra Martineau of San Diego Sisters: Cornelia Martineau of Devils Lake Cecelia Trudel also of Devils Lake Brother-In-Law: Gordon Sanders, Frazee, Minnesota Many Nieces, Nephews, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren also survive. Lawson was preceded in death by his wives, Valeria and Elizabeth; parents; sisters, Otillia (Ben) Joasten of Lincoln, Nebraska, Goldie (Geo) Defoe of Pembina, ND; Bernice Sanders of Frazee, MN and infant brother, Joseph; brother-in-law, John Trudel.