“Hope, health, happiness. To possess these three gifts is to enjoy life to the fullest! The opportunities we are given to share them with others are life’s most precious rewards—and responsibilities,” says this month’s cover feature, Laurie De Seguirant.
It is a principle Laurie has lived by since he was eleven years of age when a visiting minister to his church shared the story of a man who died and went to heaven, only to find his new place of residence stacked with previously unfulfilled opportunities and unanswered prayers. The man inquired what these were and why he had not received them when he needed them most. His Heavenly Host lovingly smiled and said, “these are the things I wanted to give you, but you never asked, you never prepared yourself for—you never joyfully anticipated.” At eleven years of age, Laurie made the decision to never become that man.
After attending Bible college, he served in several churches as a youth director, assistant to the pastor, and music director. However, he excelled in business and soon realized his ministry was not behind the pulpit but in everyday living. His manufacturing and engineering background landed him a partnership with Discovery Toys, where he designed children’s educational products and directed all overseas ideation, design, production, quality and safety.
A love for the Arts motivated Laurie to become involved in community theater, where he received ten top-acting awards, and the Newspaper Group Critic’s Award. It also opened doors as a professional voice artist for Apple, Microsoft, Toyota, Hills Brother’s Coffee, Gammet, Albertson’s, Levi’s, and many other corporations.
Last year, Laurie decided to add a new title to his long resume, that of published author.
Under the pen name, Lonnie Dustin, in September 2022, Laurie wrote his first novel.
“The Haughton’s Adoption of Evil, follows the fictional Haughton family business through three generations. Benjamin Haughton’s dream was no match for the sharpened blades of jealousy, greed, and deception the family would ultimately face,” says Laurie. “Pauline and Theodore possessed no regard for the Haughton principles. They were biological outsiders who formed an unholy alliance and waged a winner-take-all battle for the Haughton dynasty. Pauline, book two of the Haughton trilogy, answers lingering questions presented in book one. It explores Pauline Bianchi’s childhood. What were the influences in her life that resulted in her becoming the antagonists readers love to hate? Teddy, the third and final book, follows Theodore Haughton into the dark world of crime. He is a psychopath with no regard for anyone, and he wears their scorn as a badge of honor. Is there a limit to his ill gained fortune? Does the bad-guy always win? Find out as the Haughton saga ends with Teddy, available in 2024.,”
A love of health and fitness motivated Laurie to create Luv’n Liv’n, a complimentary wellness ministry that is enjoyed by thousands around the world. As owner and operator, he uses the Facebook platform where, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 8:00AM Pacific time, he broadcasts his workout session with all who desire physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual encouragement.
Laurie and Chris, his wife of thirty-eight years, have three daughters, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. They have lived in Blackhawk eleven years, where Laurie enjoys growing, harvesting and making his own exclusive Chardonnay—just something to do in his free time. “Blackhawk gives true meaning to the word community! The beauty of Blackhawk’s surroundings, the warmth emanating from neighbors, the diversity of thought, culture, and professional achievements, make Blackhawk Country Club our final move. We’ve found our dream— and are living it,” says Laurie.
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.
By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010 | Images Courtesy of Laurie De Seguirant