Wayne E. "Smoke" Lewis

Keeping you in my prayers during this time and remembering Wayne with fondness. He always seemed to be a kind gentle man. L Brownton

I met Smoke in 1984 when we both were appointed by the Forest Service Chief to serve 5 months on the Chief’s National Administrative Review Team. Smoke was then serving as the Acting Regional Director of Acquisitions Management in Portland and I was then the Regional Director of Acquisitions Management in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During that 5 month assignment, Smoke and I became inseparable buddies. Smoke talked me into accepting the Acquisitions Management Director’s assignment in Portland;...

I met Wayne Lewis in the Region Six Regional Office when I began my training as a Contract Specialist in 1974. He treated me right even though I was 1 of only 2 black employees at that time. I'm sorry he's gone. He was a special person for me. I was impressed that he had a law degree and he inspired me to work hard to learn this trade.

So many good times to remember Smoke. He was a delight to spend time with in our years on the Umatilla in Pendleton. Opening day of fishing season on the Umatilla was miserable cold and rainy, but he entertained Emory and I with his remarkable singing voice. Playing basketball in a Pendleton league and not being overly swift He stopped a breakaway opponent by grabbing the back of the guys jersey and literally raised him off his feet. Drew the call but what a fun memory.

Smoke was a wonderful person to work with. I have many happy memories of working with him at the Forest Service office in Portland. He will be remembered.

Thank you