Joseph Alexander Lane


“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ––Ralph Waldo Emerson


This website is devoted to Joseph Alexander Lane (1952-2021), who was a man of many parts: father, husband, brother, uncle, friend, supervisor, surfer, golfer, scholar, and Second District Court of Appeal Clerk/Executive Officer in Los Angeles, California. Loved, admired, and respected by all who knew him. An illustrated book has been published in four formats: paperback, e-book, free downloadable PDF, and audio (forthcoming). Click here for Judge Roger Boren describing and praising Joseph's storied career.

My brother Joseph was asked in 2009 to list 25 things he liked. The following is his response:



I do not like chain letters, chain emails, or anything that requires the recipient to send it on.


I make exceptions to most rules.


I don't like rules unless they are the rules of the game.


I like to surf.


I like to golf


I like to Frisbee golf.


I like my friends--speaking of, how are you Bob?


I agree with Allison [his daughter], the Beach Boys are it.


I like to go camping with my children and friends.


I like my children, who I also love, but that is not the same.


I like my brother and sister and miss my older brother [Michael] each day.


Of all the pastimes, I think reading is what I would miss most.


I wanted to be an architect, a fighter pilot, a forest ranger, a beachcomber, a hermit, a painter, a writer ...


Recorded Books (aka books on tape) are a godsend.


Harry Potter is still the best.


All my nephews are cool.


I love the water and get odd when I am out of it for too long.


Mexican food is number one.


It used to drive me to distraction when purple was my daughter's favorite color. I couldn't get her out of the house unless she had something purple.


Pets make you a better person.


I like people who laugh a lot. I especially like those who make me laugh.


I appreciate a smile, also a grin. It can make my day.


Have I reached 25 yet? I wonder but will not go back and count.


I am very happy that my children got reservations for CARP [Carpinteria beach campsite].


I am a lucky fellow. I have friends who like to play with me, and [my] children amaze me because they also will play with me.