Robert Fieldmore Lewis

Robert Fieldmore Lewis, born September 30, 1947 to parents Ross and Vivian Lewis in Jacksonville, Florida, escaped the confines of his earthly existence on July 22, 2001 in Stillwater, Minnesota after a lengthy illness. A Career criminal, imprisoned for the greater part of his life, Robert gained notoriety for being the first person to escape from Florida State Prisons death row. During his years of confinement, he learned the skills of survival in prison becoming adept in the art of manipulation. However, he added his own twist. He would often appeal to the worst in people, but he did so in order to bring them together to achieve the best of results. He was never dissuaded by the criticism such a strategy draws because he was proud of the results he achieved. He was most proud that his involvement in events following the Gainesville student murders spared the students families a prolonged trial. As a child with little supervision, no mentors, and a romantic notion of the-criminal-as- Robin-Hood, Robert became embroiled in a juvenile justice system that was known as one of the nations worst. From this experience he became destined to make the mistakes that would cost him his freedom and, ultimately, his life. Yet, in spite of the negative influences that surrounded him, he maintained a positive, philosophical attitude. Over the years, he came to understand how the course of his lifes journey had brought him to his unfortunate destination and he sought to change his direction. As he struggled to improve himself, he once quipped 'I can understand why people do the wrong thing, its so hard to do the right thing!' Robert hoped he could find a way to teach others the lessons he had learned in life and prevent them from taking the same wrong turns he had taken. Such an opportunity came to him far from his native Florida when he was offered a chance to participate in the Minnesota prison systems 'Choices' program. From his involvement, Robert gained respect and admiration not only from his fellow prisoners, but also from the prison staff and officials. He was well known to be an individual who had paid for his crimes and who had become a contributing member of society. Robert is survived by his wife and lifelong friend, Colleen, his mother, Vivian, his best friend, Harold Runyon, his friend and confidant, Richard Duffus , his friend and mentor Lee Salisbury, and his most appreciated and loyal attorney, Robert Link. Special thanks to the Hospice program and the medical staff at Oak Park Heights. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com