SAM G. LEWIS JR.

SAM G. LEWIS, JR.

Surrounded by family and friends, Sam G. Lewis, Jr., 68, of Chico, died peacefully in his home, Friday, October 29, 2010, following a nine-year battle with cancer.

Born October 11, 1942 to Neta and Sam G. Lewis, Sr., Sam attended Chico schools, graduating from Chico High in 1960 and CSU, Chico in 1964. A member of Phi Kappa Tau, Sam's passion in life was for farming.

After college, Sam served his country in the Vietnam War as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1969. Upon returning to Chico, Sam became a partner in his family's almond farming business, to which he dedicated the next forty-one years of his life. Sam's commitment to farming was exemplified by his membership in Blue Diamond Almond Growers and Farm Bureau, where he served on a variety of boards, always with the goal of advancing the almond industry.

Although he was a dedicated farmer and skilled mechanic, Sam played as hard as he worked. He enjoyed welding, car racing, snow skiing, snow mobiling, motorcycling, camping, scuba-diving, fishing, and world travel. In his quest for the next great adventure, he became an avid hiker, culminating with his climb to the Mt. Everest base-camp in May, 2000. Sam will be remembered for his determination and adventurous spirit and lived by his motto, "Go to the end of every road." Even with cancer, he let no obstacle prevent him from accomplishing what he set out to achieve. A 40-year member of the Chico Elks Lodge, Sam was a loving family man, friend and employer, who will be missed by all who knew him.

Sam is survived by his wife, Vicky Sue; his daughters, P. Samantha Lewis, of Chico, and Amanda Shah of Maryland; and two grandchildren.

Services will be held at Brusie Funeral Home on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sam's name may be made to Scripp's Clinic, Division of Hematology and Oncology in care of the Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway Chico, CA 95928.