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Andrew Lewis Obituary
Andrew Joseph Lewis passed away suddenly on February 23, 2013. This "larger than life" Renaissance man was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Jean and Leroy Davenport Lewis on August 1, 1956. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in molecular biology, a degree that would shape his future and enable him to pursue the many things he loved in life.
In 1985, Andrew moved to Seattle and soon after became the 62nd employee at Immunex, an up and coming biotech company. At Immunex, Andrew experienced a gratifying and successful career where he became director and then vice-president of science operations.
Andrew was passionate about life. He gave his heart and soul to environmental causes and was a multi-term chair of the Washington State Chapter of the Sierra Club. To say he loved the outdoors was an understatement. Whether it was bird watching or camping, Andrew immersed himself in whatever he did, always viewing the world through the eyes of the scientist he was. Andrew's encyclopedic knowledge and curiosity were often transformed into enjoyment: collecting fine wine and minerals, cooking gourmet meals, involving himself in Democratic politics, being a sports fan, supporting education and traveling to the four corners of the world with his wife and son. Andrew started guitar lessons later in life and could spend hours playing and listening to music.
This gentle and humble man supported many causes and gave of both himself and his resources. Andrew's presence and sense of humor could light up a room.
Nothing meant more to Andrew than his wife of 21 years, Maaike Bakker, and their 18 year old son, Peter Lewis. He is also survived by his loving cousins in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and many, many good friends. While his unexpected departure is heartbreaking, his joyful heart still beats within all of us. Contributions may be made, in Andrew's name, to the Washington Chapter of the Sierra Club 180 Nickerson St. Ste. 202 Seattle, WA 98109.
A memorial service will be held in the early summer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Lewis
Arvia Morris
March 28, 2013
I am so sorry to hear the news. Andy was great to work with and his passion for the environment inspiring. Deepest sympathy to Andy's family over this great loss.
Carol Krantz
March 28, 2013
I will never forget Andy's laugh, his generousity or his influence on my career and outlook on life.
Steve Dower
March 25, 2013
My condolences to Andy's family. I have many wonderful memories of our time together at Immunex
Diane Kolb
March 14, 2013
I was very sorry to hear this news. I knew him from Immunex, and I remember his laugh well. May he rest in peace...my prayers to his family.
Stewart Lyman
March 14, 2013
Maaike and Peter, I was so sorry to hear about Andy's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I too worked with Andy at Immunex and always enjoyed his enthusiasm and his forever support of Penn State football. He will be missed.
Kathy Picha
March 14, 2013
My deepest condolences to Andy's family. I knew him a long time while we were at Immunex, and fondly remember his laugh and love of a good joke. He will be missed by many, I'm sure.
Roy Blak
March 11, 2013
Andy was warm, open, curious, humorous, and just plain enjoyable to be around. He helped define the old Immunex. Years later, I bumped into him at an evening astronomy lecture at the UW; biology wasn't enough for him--he'd developed an interest in astrobiology! I will remember him fondly.
David Cosman
March 8, 2013
My sincere condolences to Maaike and Peter. I knew Andy from our time working at Penn. State Medical Center in Hershey and many years at Immunex. He was truly an unforgettable character who enlivened the atmosphere at any occasion and brought the best out of people. Although his life was tragically cut short, he packed a great deal of living into it.
Sarah Donnellan
March 8, 2013
I am so sorry for the far too early loss of Andrew. My memories of camping and rafting on many rivers in the Great Northwest are full of warm, funny stories with this fine gentle man. My most sincere sympathy goes out to Andrew's wife, son and close friends.
March 7, 2013
Maaike and Peter, Elliott and I were saddened to hear of Andrew's passing. He was a wonderful husband, father and an all around good guy. You both are in our thoughts...Cindy and Elliott Clark
Melanie Spriggs
March 7, 2013
I also knew Andy at Immunex and am grateful for the clear and vibrant memories that I have of him. My sincerest sympathies to Maaike, Peter and all of us who knew Andy as the lovable, intense life force that he was.
Celia Pechak
March 6, 2013
I arrived in Seattle about the time Andy did, and met him at a Mountaineering first aid course. I along with other fortunate friends joined him on many outdoor adventures back then, including a phenomenal rafting trip in Alaska. What wonderful memories of laughter and wildness in the wilderness! He truly lived life BIG. While he left this earth too soon, I hope his family finds comfort in the knowledge that he lived a fuller life than most people even dream of. Rest in peace, my friend. I know that you have already staked out the best cloud to watch the Penn State games from.
Barbara Norwood
March 6, 2013
I am very sorry for such a loss to the biotech community.
Michael Kleinberg
March 5, 2013
Andy was such a great help to me at Immunex. He used to get me lab supplies so we could practice in Professional Services. Rest my friend
Jim Lupold
March 5, 2013
Andy occupies a big space in my childhood memories of growing up,he was a great friend and neighbor,he will be missed by us all.
Patty sackett Thieme
March 5, 2013
Sorry to hear this news. I worked with Andy in the late 80s-early 90s at Imnx. He was always such a treat to work with and very helpful to my newly graduated accounting brain. He taught me about the science in a way that helps me even today. Although i hadnt seen him in a while, his positive presence in my early career is something i will never forget. RIP big guy.
Robin Everett
March 4, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Maaike and Peter and to all of Andy's friends and fans. I was lucky to be both a fan and a friend. Though I only knew him a year, he touched me deeply. I will miss his loud booming voice, his laughter and his warm heart. You always new when Andy was in the office and it always made my day. I miss him greatly.
March 3, 2013
An example to us all in so many ways - The O'Hara Family
March 3, 2013
My sincere sympathy to Andy's family.
It was truly an honor to serve with Andy and the team created by the Sierra Chapter for our environment.
We always meant to play a bit of guitar
together.
I will miss him.
Cathy Morton Greenlee
Mary Kennedy
March 2, 2013
I haven't seen Andy in many years, but I will never forget his love of life and his ability to make all of his coworkers at Immunex laugh. His picture is exactly how I remember him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deborah and Mario Ehlers
March 2, 2013
Deepest sympathies to Maaike and Peter. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinners with Andrew at mutual friends, he was an entertaining and thoughtful man. We are so sad he is now gone, too young, too soon.
Ben Greuel
March 1, 2013
A born leader and larger than life personality. Andrew had a heart as kind as anyone I've ever met. The Earth is a better place because Andy spent 56 years exploring and caring for it.
March 1, 2013
Andy taught me a lot, not only about what to do (get involved, work hard, roll up your sleeves and make a meaningful contribution) but also how to do it (be kind, be respectful, be humble, laugh a lot). I sincerely appreciate his contributions to our community and to our environment and his contributions to me personally.
Leah Valleroy
March 1, 2013
As a Sierra Club volunteer I met Andy on several occasions and always noticed his passion and excitement for his work with the Club. May his family and friends be comforted in knowing his important contribution to our community.
Elisabeth Keating
March 1, 2013
Andy, I will miss you so much. I'm so impressed with how you lived your life-- with passion, intelligence, conviction, kindness, and always a wonderful sense of humor and that booming laugh. We were so fotunate to have you on our side in so many environmental battles in our state. I'm so glad we were friends, you taught me so much. RIP my friend, we'll think of you often and remember you with smiles. --Lisa
Erika Shriner
March 1, 2013
As a new Sierra Club volunteer, I only met Andy twice but he was a person one didn't forget. Welcoming, warm and funny and obviously loved and respected by all of those he worked with at Sierra. Truly a man who will be greatly missed.
Lehman Holder
March 1, 2013
I met Andy only once, but his gregarious nature made me feel I had known him much longer. The work he did to protect our environment will never be forgotten and will always be appreciated. Heartfelt sympathy to his wife and son. He will be missed by his Sierra Club colleagues in Seattle, and also by those of us in the Loo Wit Group in Vancouver, WA.
Mike Loomis
March 1, 2013
Boy will I miss you buddy! You shone like a beacon. Love ya cuz!
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