Stephen Lewis April 1, 1946 — May 31, 2020
Stephen Michael Lewis of Ada, Michigan and formerly of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the age of 74. It was unexpected and a terrible shock.
He was born on April 1, 1946 in Seattle, Washington to the late Mark and Elta Lewis. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years Elaine Lewis, children Nick (Joanna) Lewis, Matthew Lewis, Bryan (Suzanne) Lewis, Tracey Lewis, 4 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild on the way, sister-in-law Diane Lewis and brother-in-law Philip (Theresa) Cooney. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Lewis.
Steve proudly served our country and was an E2 in the US Navy. For over 36 years he lived and worked in Anchorage, Alaska. He enjoyed golfing and spent 3 blissful years in his hard-earned retirement gardening for several hours a day. His large and beautiful yard was his prized possession.
Steve Joined the Orthodox Church in 2015. His son, Nick Lewis, was his sponsor/Godfather in the Church. He was active in the Church and he loved worshiping with his family and his Church family.
He was a passionate man who would make his views known. Steve was a man who marched by the beat of his own drum and made friends and adopted family wherever he went. He loved all of his family and would always make amends when his drum beat disrupted a relationship - even if it took some time.
Steve was always trying to be helpful to less skilled drivers by shouting encouragement as he drove by. So, if you drive slower and wish to honor him, please stay in the right lane. He will be deeply missed.
Published in The Seattle Times from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3, 2020.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=stephen-lewis&pid=196289137
Ron Ruosch
Steve posted a couple of wonderful stories about his friends who had preceded him in death. I've copied his comments here to bring the stories full circle now that Steve has joined them in eternal reunion.
Rest in peace, Steve, Andy, Dorian and John.
Back in time: We were in Junior High at the old Edmonds High School. Andy [Joy] lived across the street and down a couple of blocks. Andy, my parents and I went down to the beach (Browns Bay area) one weekend day. Our pet dog was running on the tracks when two trains came by at the same time on opposite tracks. Rocky wouldn't respond to calling him from the tracks so I ran to drag him from the tracks. Andy ran to me and flung me from the tracks. Rocky was killed but thanks to Andy I wasn't. He has always been and will forever will be in my thoughts. Thank God Andy was with us that memorable day. Andy played a tough guy back then at times but we were friends because he cared and had a big heart. May God bless Andy in a special way!
Dorian Halverson, John Rose and I joined the Naval Air on the "Buddy" program 1 week after graduation in 1964. We went to Boot Camp in Mephis,Tennessee then went our Separate ways. John stayed in the Mephis School, Dorian in Parachute school in New Jersey and I went to Electonics School in Jacksonville, Florida. I remember when Dorian as an undercover cop was shot and killed and I spoke to John months before he passed as Diabetes took him a little at a time. I still remember them from boot camp 52 years later. We had good times.
In Memory, Steve Lewis
Elena Olsen (Cornehl)
I was very saddened to read that Steve had passed away. One of my favorite moments at the 50th reunion was when he came up to greet me with "Hi neighbor!" and his face lit up as he started teasing me (just like he always did). The years we spent as neighbors and friends throughout school will always remain in my heart. Steve was funny and cute and always sweet. We talked about the passing of our friends and shared stories that night and I met his lovely wife and introduced him to my husband. We had not seen each other since graduation and yet it felt like yesterday when we started talking. His smile was contagious and his wit was a force to be reckoned with and his sincere caring about his friends was admirable. My sincere condolences to his family.