Albert Lee "Albie" Lewis

Colonel (Ret.) Albert "Albie" Lee Lewis March 31, 1951 – October 16, 2025
In the early morning hours of October 16, 2025, Colonel (Ret.) Albert "Albie" Lee Lewis passed peacefully at home after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and held in the arms of the woman he loved.
Albie was born at Fort Lewis, Washington, on March 31, 1951, to Maridean (Davis) and Victor Lee Lewis. He spent most of his youth in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and attended the Scotland School for Veterans' Children. After his junior year, Albie moved to Northfield, Vermont, with his mother and graduated from Northfield High School in 1969. He went on to attend Norwich University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1973. Upon graduation, he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
After so many years of structure at Scotland School and Norwich, Albie was ready to "let his hair down." He moved to the Mad River Valley, where he quickly formed deep and lasting friendships. He became an avid skier and a beloved bartender, spending many happy nights working at Gallagher's in Waitsfield. Albie also operated a post and beam company, *Heritage Post & Beam*, restoring and repurposing historic structures into beautiful new homes and businesses.
In 1977, Albie received a flyer from the U.S. Armed Forces asking if he could run, swim, shoot, throw a grenade, and orienteer (all elements of the Military Pentathlon) - an invitation to try out for the Inter-allied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR). Never one to shy away from a challenge, Albie embraced the opportunity and trained rigorously at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, before traveling abroad to compete in various NATO countries. He proudly represented his team in Germany, France, Canada, and the Netherlands, earning several medals alongside his fellow competitors. The camaraderie and friendships forged through those experiences became lifelong bonds, and the group continues to gather for annual reunions, each taking turns to host and relive the memories of their shared adventures. Inspired by his love of CIOR, Albie set his sights on the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon - a demanding combination of running, shooting, swimming, horseback riding, and fencing. Training became nearly a full-time pursuit, and he worked tirelessly with dedicated coaches to strengthen his riding and fencing skills in preparation for the 1980 Olympic Trials. Though he knew he was a bit of a "dark horse," Albie approached the trials with his trademark determination, grit, and optimism. He didn't make the Olympic team, but he remained incredibly proud of the experience - a true testament to his drive, his courage, and his unwavering belief in giving one's all, no matter the odds.
It was during this time that Albie met the love of his life, Patti (Lindner). They were married on September 12, 1981, and so began a partnership filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Together, they built a home in Berlin, Vermont - post and beam, of course - and raised their three cherished daughters: Kristen, Brittany, and Kaitlin. Albie was an endlessly supportive father who encouraged his girls to chase their dreams, believe in themselves, and always find joy in the journey.
Albie continued his service to the country in the Army Reserve before transferring to the Vermont Army National Guard in 1983 to become the first Chief Instructor at the newly formed Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) in Jericho, Vermont. He was one of only a few AMWS soldiers to complete both the summer and winter sessions of the Austrian Mountain Warfare School. During his tenure in the Guard, he held multiple commands, including an appointment as Military Liaison Team Chief to Macedonia in 2000. After this year-long assignment, Albie's distinguished military career came to a close with his retirement on September 11, 2001.
Following his military service, Albie continued his lifelong commitment to helping others. During Governor Douglas' administration, he served as Director of Vermont Emergency Management, which led him to join the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a Disaster Assistance Employee during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Encouraged by his mentor, Albie became a Type 1 Federal Coordinating Officer - one of only a few in the country - serving with FEMA Region 1 out of Boston, MA. Over his career, he led recovery efforts for numerous large-scale disasters across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, and throughout New England before retiring in 2020.
Alongside his many careers, Albie gave generously of his time and talents to his community. He was a proud member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department for more than twenty years, serving as an EMT, President of the Association, and eventually Chief. He played an instrumental role in the conception and construction of the department's firehouse in 1989. Albie also volunteered for many years at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta in South Hero, Vermont - a year-round camp for families affected by childhood cancer - alongside Patti and Kristen.
In his spare time, Albie enjoyed hunting, golfing, and cheering for his beloved Washington football team. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his generous spirit, and the way he made everyone feel like family. To know Albie was to know warmth, loyalty, and love.
Albie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patti; daughters Kristen and her husband Zachary Dukette of Williamstown, VT; Brittany and her husband Benjamin Michaud of Berlin, VT; and Kaitlin and her husband Thomas Burke of Lakeland, FL; as well as his brother, Frederick Kingsley of Roxbury, VT, and his niece, Rebecca Trower of Northfield, VT. His mother, Maridean Lewis, and his sister, Judith Trower, predeceased him.
Services with full military and fire department honors will be held on Sunday, November 2nd, at 1:00 pm in White Memorial Chapel at Norwich University in Northfield, VT, with interment at the Norwich Cemetery on Dole Hill and a reception to follow in Plumley Armory (carpooling encouraged).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vermont's Camp Ta-Kum-Ta (www.camptakumta.org ) or Norwich University's Golden Goal Club (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/30346/donations/new?amt=1000.00) - organizations that reflect Albie's lifelong devotion to service, family, and community. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Albert "Albie", please visit our floral store.