Henry William "Hank" Lewis

I think I'm probably young enough to be Hank's great granddaughter. Nonetheless, my memories of him are many.

I remember warm summer days swimming in Hank's kidney-shaped pool. He welcomed me and friends anytime and always greeted us with a smile and that great voice of his. I remember his stories, which never got old (even if I'd heard them before) and to this day I continue to recall them. One of my favorite images of Hank is of him with his big hand cupping his big ear (he'd...

Memories of Hank and Jean go back to 1948. My mother and Jean were instrumental in the set-up and nurture of Multnomah Cooperative Preschool. Like Judi, I was an only child and was often included as a playmate on camping and ski outings. My parents were literally "afraid" of the outdoors. How fortunate I was to have these excursions. I trace my love of nature and adventure to this early introduction and immersion. I idolized Hank and Jean. I continue my love of backpacking and cross...

First Presbyterian Church coffee hours were always filled with grand laughter any Sunday that Hank was there rather than on the mountain--my parents and he and Jean were great friends. It wasn't until I was older that I realized Hank's crucial role in starting MHSP, and I am so very grateful for his legacy--when I broke my back in the lower Ski Bowl in 1967, well, you could literally say that Hank & Co. "had my back!" He was such a great punster with my dad--I think he'd like that one! ...

Hank was a constant source of inspriation and encouragement to the volunteers of the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum. He really inspired us when he was guest of honor during the 2004 Ski the Glade Trail Day. He was so excited to ski the Glade Trail once again, that he actually when skiing a couple of days before, just to practice his turns. He had a great time that day, skiing the three mile trail from Timberline Lodge to Government Camp, just like he had done so many times over the...

We had the opportunity and pleasure of meeting "Uncle Hank" through our friendship with his family (Peter and Bettie). He was such an interesting and outgoing gentleman and it was so enjoyable to listen to the stories he had to tell. What a wonderful and long life. He started so many needed and lasting legacies. We are so very happy to have heard some of the stories from him. It is an honor we treasure to have known such a fine person.

It is a great honor to have known Hank. I had a long relationship with Hank as my Father, Ariel Edmiston was the First of 3, Ski Instructor's in 1937 during the time that Hank was involved in Ski Patrolling at Timberline. We visited Hank in his home when we lived on Meneffe St.above Westwood Dr.in S.W. Portland years ago. That was after Jean had passed. It was special for my Wife and I to serve on the MHSP for over 10 Yrs. Hank will remain a Legend to Honor in the History Books. God Bless...

My wife and I were fortunate to meet Jean and Henry Lewis in 1975 at a time we were looking for a home in SW Portland.

At the time they were selling a home that Henry helped build in 1932 on SW Hamilton St. in Portland.

We purchase the home with a promise that we would keep the house and upgrade it as necessary.

We found Henry and Jean to be very helpful and thought about them often during our 24 years at this address.

During our time at this...

June 10, 2011
I am sending condolences to the extended family of Hank Lewis on behalf of Bill Pruitt (deceased 1998)who also trained with the 10th Mt. Division but much later than Hank. Bill met the Lewis' as a member of Wy'easters and climbed, skied, with them and had many enjoyable outings. What a great life and a tribute to the history of Mt. Hood etc.
Claudette Morning Pruitt (Burns, OR)

I first met Hank in the mid 1960's, also with Mt Rescue Training. A great friend. His wife Jean was the judge that finalized the adoption of our son. Our kids enjoyed the use of his swimming pool along the way. I remember opening a bottle of "Cold Duck" with Hank on the top of Mt Hood. When it stopped spouting, there wasn't much left :) Chuck Edgar (near Warrenton, OR)