Lewis William Fairfield II

Lewis William

Fairfield II
Lewis William Fairfield II, a forty-year-resident of Olympia, passed away at home in his dream house, as was his wish, Thursday, March 24, 2011. He was 86. Lewis was born September 5, 1924 in Schroon Lake, New York to Lewis William and Agnes I. Miller Fairfield. Lewis grew up in Schroon Lake and is a graduate of Schroon Lake High School's Class of 1943. Lewis went on to obtain his commercial pilot's license and also extensive education in aircraft maintenance. Lewis served in the United States Army from August 17, 1943 through December 19, 1944 as a Field Lineman and Heavy Weapons Crewman. Lewis worked for the United States Army Aviation Systems Command for 30 years. Throughout his life, Lewis achieved certification in and education in many different areas. He graduated from Pierce College having majored in geology. He attended the U.S. Army Logistics Management College, he is an authorized inspector for the U.S. Federal Aviation Agency and trained and worked with the Department of Defense in Washington DC as an Aircraft Equipment Specialist. Lew received his certification of Engineering as a Senior Engineering Technician. Lewis obtained his Formal Pilot License with over six thousand hours of flight experience. In Vietnam, he kept the twin-rotor CH-47 Chinook helicopters flying. He served tours in Korea, Alaska, Germany and Italy before retiring as the Chief of Continental United States North Section. Lewis was married to Mi Yop "Liz" Choe in Seoul, Korea in 1968. She survives him at the family home. Lewis was a Freemason with Olympia Lodge #1, a member of the American Legion and a life member of the National Rifle Association. He was also a member of the Lacey and Olympia Senior Center. He was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and camping. He loved flying fixed-wing commercial and general aviation aircraft. Lewis also enjoyed traveling stateside and abroad. Lew's travels have taken him to all 50 states. In addition to his wife, Liz, Lewis is survived by his children, Cindy L. (Harold) Myers, James E. (Julie) Fairfield, Annlee (Ken) Sherman, Miwon (Gordon) Lee and Billy C. Fairfield, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Clara Harriet Fairfield, and an infant sister, Margaret A. Fairfield who died in 1921. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Masonic Center in Tumwater located at 455 North Street SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. Interment will be in Schroon Lake, New York. Please visit and sign the online tribute to Lewis@ www.whitesidefamilymortuaries.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Whiteside Family Mortuary in Elma.