David Edwin Lewis
Dec. 23, 1961-Sept. 4, 2008
David was born and raised in Wilmington, Del., and after journeying across the country, he settled in Ashland, Ore. Here, he met the "love of his life", Josee Fournier. They moved to the summit of the "Indian" where they were blessed with three beautiful sons. Dave shared his life with his boys and passed on his passion for the mountains. Dave made everything fun: ice fishing, snowshoeing, riding snowmobiles, dog-sledding, adventuring on motorcycles, all while teaching his sons survival skills and respect for the land.
Dave was also an avid sports fan who instilled the "love of the game" in his sons. He nurtured and encouraged their natural athleticism by tossing footballs and baseballs, even playing ice hockey in the winter. He remained loyal to his "team," the Philadelphia Eagles, through winning and losing.
As time went by, life took many twists and turns. Seasons came and went, his boys turned into young men, and all the while, Dave took pleasure in the watching. He spent his time enjoying simple things and finding beauty everywhere. Dave was an artist by nature, and a man with a unique vision who could make art with every little "treasure" he found: old scrap metal, leather, rocks, wire, string or even chain saw chains, anything worked!
A "good man in any camp," Dave was an animated storyteller with a keen wit and sense of humor. He lived from the depths of his being, stood up for the things in which he believed and shared himself and all he had with the family and friends he cherished.
A "Jack-of-all-trades" and wildland firefighter, David worked hard and played hard. He was intense and unforgettable, a rascal and a live wire. He was a sweet, sweet man who will be greatly missed. Life will go on without Dave, but the ride won't be as much fun.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vivian Lewis; and survived by his three sons, Beau, Casey, and Skyler Lewis; and by his three siblings, James, Paige, and Linda Lewis.
There will be a memorial gathering at noon on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, at the Summit of the Indian.
This obituary was originally published in the Mail Tribune.
