Lawrence Jess Guy was born on January 29, 1944, in San Francisco and was the first born child of Lawrence Valley Guy and Esther (Velasquez) Guy. He spent his childhood in San Francisco and attended Balboa High School. During his teenage years, he enjoyed visiting his aunt Dorothy during the summers in Russian River. A proud native San Franciscan, Lawrence would frequently return to the city throughout his life to enjoy its vibrant culture and nightlife.

After high school, Lawrence proudly served in the armed forces in the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany from 1965 to 1967. He was the first of his family to earn a college degree, acquiring a bachelor's and master's degree at San Jose State University. Lawrence began his career working for the city of Cupertino, which laid the foundation for his successful career as a residential real estate developer. Working primarily in the South Bay Area, Lawrence completed multiple planned unit development projects as well as designed and built beautiful custom homes in the Saratoga foothills, including an ultra-modern home, a Prairie style home and a futuristic dome home that was featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

A lifelong lover of the arts, music and world cultures, Lawrence traveled throughout Western Europe and Greece. He had a vast art and antiques collection, was a lover of cars and motorcycles, and enjoyed relaxing beach vacations to the Monterey Bay, Jamaica, and Kauai. He was known by his wide circle of friends for his eclectic style, witty sense of humor, generosity, and zest for life.

Lawrence was a loving and supportive father to his children Alexander and Natasha, and a devoted husband to his wife and companion of nearly 20 years, Christina Nguyen. Married at Sacred Heart in Saratoga in 2008, Lawrence found his soulmate in Christina, and they spent many happy years together traveling throughout California and living in Brentwood and Oakley. Lawrence was a proud grandfather to his two grandsons, Elliott and Pierce.

Lawrence is survived by his wife Christina T. Nguyen, his son Alexander Guy, daughter Natasha Barringer and husband Ryan, grandsons Elliott and Pierce, brother Lorin Guy and wife Kathryn, sister Lorraine Siadat and husband Mehdi, sister Darlene Fowler, and nieces/nephews Steffen, Kayvon, Christina and Tehra. Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents.