Lewis Fiddick

FIDDICK, Lew January 20, 1917 - November 14, 2016 Lew passed away peacefully in is 100th year after a brief illness. Born and raised in Cedar, BC, he is predeceased by 5 siblings; wife, Ethel and daughter, Maureen. Survived by sons, Larry (Judy), Rod (Denise); son-in-law, Drew; grandchildren, Catherine, Reid (Natalie), Erin (Tim), Kyla (Jason), Greg (Fiona), Brett (Emily), Holly (Bryn); great-grandchildren, Chloè, Sophie, Ben, Finley, Brittney, Adam. Graduating from Cedar School Lew worked as a logger in Nanaimo falling large trees by hand - he was still bucking and splitting wood in his 80's. Lew was a WWII vet, joining the Air Force he became a bomber pilot posted to RAF Bomber Command Flying Lancasters. In 1943 - 1944 Lew flew 19 missions over Germany. In July 1944 while returning from a sortie over Stuggart he was shot down, parachuting behind enemy lines into France. Evading capture he was taken in and hidden by a French family who linked him with the Maquis and eventually with a group of SAS operatives. The next 3 months found Lew involved in sabatoge operations against German occupiers. SAS Captain Henry Druce and Lew crossed enemy lines taking sensitive information back to England which assisted advancing US troops. Lew was made an honorary SAS member for his war time contributions. After the war Lew became one of Canada's first Federal Forest Rangers retiring after 35 years as Head Forest Ranger. In retirement he kept busy on his acre property in Gordon Head where he lived up to his last few days. A fine model as a parent, grandparent and gentleman. A big thank you to his caregiver, Joyce for making it possible for Lew to remain at home. Thanks to the staff on 8N RJH and Dr. J. Maskey for the wonderful care and support. In January the family will be celebrating Lew's life on what would be his 100th birthday.