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Don Lewis Obituary
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Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, Helene; sons, Ryan and Morgan; daughter, Taylor; granddaughters, Lydia and Caroline; siblings Donalee & Marcia; nieces, nephews, and many loved ones in Pennsylvania; five beloved family dogs; and a cherished life size cardboard cutout of Joe Paterno.
Don attended Kutztown University of Pennsylvania before going on to join the motor freight transportation industry. The majority of his career was spent at Portland Air Freight where he excelled at his job and personalized every square inch of his office with his favorite things. Don was involved in the National Motor Freight Traffic Association for 18 years where he did his best to support his fellow members and improve industry practices.
For the last 30 years Don has participated in sharing his passion for sports with the community. He helped coach, referee, and/or umpire all three of his children in various youth leagues before primarily blessing the baseball community as a dependable umpire. He truly adored sharing his love of the game with the players and their families, quoting the rule book when necessary, telling jokes and trivia during breaks, encouraging players to be the best they can be, and to always be open to learning new things. He wouldn't dream of not being a part of the season; perhaps he will be there in the hearts of those playing and spectating. Don't forget to "squish the bug."
While Don's passing has left a void in many hearts, he has also left behind enough Penn State shirts and hats to clothe Belgrade village. He loved pike fishing, perfecting his cannonballs in the pool, taste testing chips while watching football, being Santa for local events, telling dad jokes, and enjoying Dunkin hazelnut hot coffee with a turbo shot added for good measure. He loved visiting various places along the coast of Maine with family, friends, and the dogs in his life. If he chose to stay local, you could find him at Christy's store.
Please join us in celebrating Don's life at Union Church in Belgrade village on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 from 1-3 PM.
No flowers please but consider donating to the Little League Organization he was so fond of: Messalonskee Cal Ripken PO Box 693 Oakland, Maine 04963
Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home 26 Church Street Oakland Maine where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting www.lawrybrothers.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ian King
August 27, 2024
Getting to talk with him at Christy's while I was working there. He was always incredibly kind and patient. I was amazed at how he would take time out of his day to answer questions about fishing, baseball, just about anything, to any of the kids around him. He was truly an inspirational man.
Mark & April Gray
January 18, 2024
Although it was many years ago, I think we first met Don on the baseball field at the Belgrade Elementary School, or if that wasn't the first time we met, we were at that baseball field often over the years as our kids played ball together. We enjoyed getting together with Don and Helene, and our sons spent many hours together playing ball and snowboarding at Sugarloaf all through their school years. After not seeing Don for a number of years, I recently ran into him at Christie's in Belgrade. We talked about umpiring little league baseball together at some point in the future. Don will certainly be missed by his family and by many in the Belgrade community. Penn State football will also be missing one of its greatest fans next year as well!
Mark Williams
January 18, 2024
Donnie and I worked together at Roadway Express back in 1985-2000. We were in sales together and I can say that Don cared about all people tremendously. His customers recognized that and were glad to do business with him and us.
Don and I also fished together often. He took myself and older son out on his boat Blue and bass fishing many times. And the guy could catch fish, we had such good times!!
Donnie when I think of you a big smile comes across my face! Always did, always will.
RIP Donnie
Joel and Melanie Ringer
January 17, 2024
Don loved Maine, and he enthusiastically shared that love with us. He was a wonderful ambassador for the state. Whenever we came up for a visit, he would suggest places to see or things to do. And every suggestion was a winner. (Thanks to Don, we know where to find the best lobster rolls!) But our happiest memories are of being with Don and Helene. Spending time together in Boothbay Harbor, fishing on Great Pond, and enjoying the food at Robinson's Wharf and Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster. It doesn't get much better than that.
Don was a man of honesty and integrity. He believed people should be treated fairly and with respect, and he was unwavering in those beliefs.
Don was a dear friend, and we loved him. His passing is a loss to us all.
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Edward Marsh
January 16, 2024
I also knew Don from our work in the NMFTA. He was such a caring person, and I will miss his wry smile. I used to refer to him as the head of the Portland Maine Chamber of Commerce because of his tireless efforts to get to NMFTA to hold not one, but two meetings in Portland. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Marcia Parenti
January 16, 2024
Miss you more than words can ever say. With my deepest heartfelt sympathy and love. Your Sister - Marcia
And Stan and Judy
Steve Hartmann
January 16, 2024
I knew Don through our mutual affiliation with the NMFTA (National Motor Freight Traffic Association), I consider Don a good and dear friend, I'm certain he is continuing to do all the good he can on the other side of the veil. Don is a great example of what a caring, unselfish, sensitive, God fearing person should be like. He was always watching out for the greater good of the trucking industry. He is one of the best people I have ever associated with, may all of our Heavenly Father's Blessings of comfort, peace and gratitude rain down upon his loved ones at this time of loss. And Don, you be sure to listen to those missionaries when you meet them there, love you my friend! Steve H.
Jimmy Parenti
January 16, 2024
Spent a lot of weekends at his parents house when I was young. He was always such a happy guy. Lost touch when he went to college. My sympathy to all his family. Jimmy Parenti
Doris Kemmerer Mohr
January 16, 2024
Uncle Donnie took me fishing when I was 5; he put the worm on the hook for me and I caught my first fish! He loved being out on the lake or by a stream. He lived with us when we were younger. It did not surprise me when he moved to Maine... it´s so him! He loved it there!
He loved family, God, sports, being an umpire and kipfels! He recently told me to stay close to God and always take time to be outside, cuz it´s good for your mind. I´ll never forget him! So deeply loved and dearly missed! Until we reunite in Heaven... love you Donnie please tell Daddy Pappy n Grammy I love n miss them.
Doug Kemmerer
January 15, 2024
Uncle Donnie will truly be missed. I loved him line a brother.
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