Ira Robert Lewis

IRA ROBERT LEWIS
August 27, 1934 ˜ November 19, 2024

He was born Aug. 27, 1934, at the family homestead in Columbia Falls, MT, to Albert and Prudence (Ritter) Lewis. Immediately after graduating high school, Ira joined the Montana National Guard and attended teletype school in Spokane, WA. Ira started his 43-year career as a railroader at Glacier National Park in Montana. He married Clara Joy in 1955 and had three boys. After many freezing winters in Havre, MT, the family moved to Klamath Falls, OR, in 1967. Ira was promoted from clerk to dispatcher and moved to Vancouver, WA, in 1971. Ira married Lillian Scott in December 1976 and were married for almost 48 years.

With a servant’s heart, Ira served those in the community around him. He devotedly served his local church with eagerness; accompanied by his great sense of humor. He assisted with the church grounds, maintenance and the communion ministry for those unable to attend church. Ira was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He served in numerous leadership roles as Cub Master, Boy Scout Troop committee chairman and Order of the Arrow. He finally retired from the railroad in 1996 and continued to support his fellow railroad retirees. Ira served several terms as president for the Pacific Northwest Chapter of Railroad Retirees. His attention to detail and leadership made for several successful annual railroad conventions. They were well attended as he continued building lifelong relationships. He also volunteered for the Children’s Home Society, Relay for Life, Friends of the Carpenter, and as a Reading Buddy at the local elementary school.

Ira loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a master woodworker and enjoyed making countless items like cabinets, a sewing center, household gadgets, bird houses, and other seasonal holiday decorations for his family and friends.

Ira is survived by his wife, Lillian E. Lewis (Stegen); his daughter, Cara Larson; his sons, Dennis Lewis, Gary Lewis, George Scott and Daryl Lewis; his 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Ira was preceded in death by his parents; all his siblings Evelyn (Smithson), Algi, Velma (Ruff-Lauman), Sammy, and Bobbie; his son, Robert Scott; and great-granddaughter, Aliyah Swift. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, Vancouver, WA, at 11 a.m., Dec. 14, 2024.
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