It is with great sadness we advise the passing of our dear Elder Jack Ronald Lewis. He passed on Nov 26, 2022, at Lions Gate Hospital, N. Vancouver.
Jack was born to his late parents Andrew & Maggie (nee Antone) Louie, in Squamish, B.C.. He grew up on Xwemelch’stn (Capilano Indian Reserve No 5) and attended St. Pauls’ & Sechelt Indian Residential School, and St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School. His family lived at Ambleside until being moved to Lawa Rd. Jack worked at Mallard’s Cannery in West Vancouver.
He went on to work for the Longshoreman’s Union (ILWU 500) for the rest of his working career. Jack was a champion canoe puller.
He raced on the 11-man crews on the St. Teresa and Chieftain through the 60s.
He was very proud of his 46 years of sobriety.
He was empathetic and never had anything bad to say about anybody. One of his favourite past times was riding a motorcycle.
Jack met his sweetheart Cheri when he was 22, but they have been together for 55 years. They had their children and raised them on Capilano Reserve. Jack was a very proud man; he was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved his family deeply and always had a way of making everybody smile and laugh. He was kind, gentle, caring, and had a great sense of humour.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Cecilia ‘Cheri’ Lewis; children Gregory Lewis, Crystal Lewis; grandchildren Samantha Lewis, Cedric Lewis, Aidan Lewis Conesa, Sierra Lewis-Conesa, Malcolm Paull, Martin Baker; great-grandchildren Donovan Contreras Lewis, Camila Cortes Lewis, Madelyn August, Makaiya Baker, Mateyo Baker; many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.
A Catholic/Shaker Prayers Service was held Thurs, Dec 1, at Squamish Nation Shaker Church and Funeral Service at Chief Joe Mathias Centre, Fri, Dec 2, 2022. Livestreaming will be available at www.funeraweb.tv.
Online condolences can be found at www.dignitymemorial.com
