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Thomas Lewis
May 1, 1947 - August 12, 2011
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Thomas Gerald Lewis (May 1 1947 to August 12 2011) Resident of Ladysmith, British Columbia. After a courageous battle with cancer, Tom passed away peacefully at Cowichan District Hospital, with his wife and daughters by his side. Tom was born in Powell River BC and graduated from Gladstone High School, in Vancouver, BC. He graduated from SFU with a Degree in Education in 1971 and became a teacher in the Cowichan School District. He received his Masters Degree from the University of Victoria, and eventually became a High School Administrator in the public and private sector, becoming Principal of Malaspina International High School and finally retiring from education as a consultant for International Education.
He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Gunhild Lewis and was the dearly loved husband and best friend of Robin Lewis for 41 years. Tom will forever be remembered by his beloved children Allison Lewis and Shawn Watt (Robert), his grandchildren: Mason, Rowan and Rylie Watt; and by his loving sister Cathy Lewis, his elder brother Donald Lewis, and stepsiblings Dennis Ahola (Leigh) and Lynn Ahola; along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. Tom loved listening to music, golfing, fishing in his boat, working on his cars, telling stories, being with his family, having fun with friends, and travelling the world. He will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Tom’s doctors, Dr. Jim Broere (Chemainus Medical Clinic) and Dr. John Paul McGhie (BC Cancer Agency) for their attentive care, the staff at Cowichan District Hospital and the BC Cancer Agency in Victoria BC, and especially the nurses who took such compassionate care of him in his final days. A memorial reception will be held from 1pm to 4 pm on Friday, August 19th, 2011 at the Mount Brenton Golf Course, 2816 Henry Rd, Chemainus BC. No flowers please.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Bill Jory
Relation: colleague
I am sorry to be unable to attend the memorial reception, but please accept my heartfelt condolence on the passing of Tom. Tom had my great respect as a teacher, an administrator, a golfer, and a human being. The world is diminished by his loss.
From: pat rowantree
Relation: worked together
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing and so sorry I was away and not able to be at the reception.
Tom was a fantastic person. Working with him at VIU and a pretty intense year at QMS were amazing experiences. He gave his all to everything and always improved whatever he built or worked on. In no small way the success of VIU’s international high school rests with Tom, its longest serving principal, problem solver and program redesigner. His “stamp” on that school is evident.
I can’t imagine the depth of loss Tom’s family is feeling, but I’m sure many people were at the reception who knew Tom from many different vantage points and they know he was much loved and greatly appreciated in this community. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to Robin and Tom’s family,
Pat Rowantree
From: Terry Waitt
Relation: a fellow school teacher
Hello to Robin and family
I met Tom in the mid 70s at Chemainus High school.Tom was the
social studies teacher;a favourite for all the school.I came as the
transfer teacher from Mount Prevost school as the new Chemistry teacher.Chemainus had just got its entitlement back from the government.We enjoyed the following 3 years of teaching with Tom
John Russell,Bruce Kingham and Jim whittaker.Tom was always
a good influence for staff leadership.Outside the school room Tom showed zeal/school spirit during those “fun days”
trackmeets etc.I left Chemainus secondary again by transfer
in the spring of 1978 and was now the senior chem teacher.It seemed not too long after that that Tom had also taken up a position at Cowichan Secondary.Jim had also transferred down.I saw that in Tom’s career for admin was established .Tom grew
as an administrator and was well respected.If I remember correctly
Tom was interested in bringing off shore students to our school
From that step he moved on to the called Malaspina,now as
a principal.I lost track of Tom in the last years.I am sure he served
well in that final step of his career
I conclude to you,Robin and family my sincere condolences
May you have receive comfort at this time.Bless those that mourn
God Bless
Terry Waitt,retired after 35 years of service in SD 79
From: Sherrie Houston
Relation: former student
I would like to send my sympathy to Mr Lewis”family during this difficult time. Mr Lewis was my teacher in Chemainus Secondary in 1971-72.He was a wonderful kind soft spoken teacher and I remember him fondly,trying to instill some wisdom into our 15 year old minds. I am sure we were a challenge at times,and I will remember him for his kindness.
From: Richard Johnston
Relation: colleague and friend
Dear Robin and members of Tom’s family. It is with deep sadness that I read about Tom’s passing. He was such a very good person, family member, educational leader and someone who in my opinion lead life to the fullest with his many interests. I was Tom’s president at Malaspina University-College and worked with him on various projects and witnessed first hand his great enthusiasm for international students, their families and their various host families and friends. He loved to make connections with other schools across the globe, especially in various countries in Asia where he was very successful in making new partnerships. We can all be very proud of his extra efforts as he was so dedicated and hard working. I am so sorry that I have been away in Europe these last three weeks and for the next month as I would have like to have spoken at Tom’s service but alas, not to be. I do hope that these few words convey my deep respect for Tom and his leadership in so many ways in and outside of the classroom. He will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences, Rich Johnston, retired president, Malaspina University-College.
From: Karen Wright
Relation: friend
Dear Robin
It was only recently that I was aware of Tom’s illness and am very saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Remembering you and your family with heartfelt thoughts of sympathy.
Karen Wright
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
August 19, 2011
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Mt. Brenton Golf Club
2816 Henry Road
Chemainus, BC
2816 Henry Road
Chemainus, BC
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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