Michael "Mike" LEWIS

Michael Francis Lewis "Mike," (1938 to 2025), passed away peacefully at home from complications of Parkinson's Disease on August 18, 2025, surrounded by his family in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Born in Colfax, WA, Mike moved back to Spokane with family and attended St. Paschal Parochial School and Gonzaga Prep (1956). Living in a bomb shelter in the Millwood area, he enjoyed watching WWII pilots train at Felts Field. Living a mischievous and curious childhood, Mike left a lasting impression on the Nuns at St. Paschal's and Jesuits at G-Prep. Mike participated in football and track, earning All-City Honors and playing in the All-State game. After high school, Mike joined the U.S. Army and served from 1957 before being honorably discharged in 1959. Mike re-connected with Doreen Camyn, whom he had known through his high school days. His charm, wit, and quick humor won her over and they were married on May 7, 1960, with a quick honeymoon to Grand Coulee Dam. After being briefly employed as an electrician apprentice, Mike started work at SCAFCO (1957-79). He had many job titles to include yard hand, truck driver, salesman, vice president and eventually president of the corrugated steel pipe division. In the late 1970s, Mike would be introduced to one of his future best friends and business partner, Walter Davis. Together they formed Northwest Culvert in 1979. Northwest Culvert would dominate the Pacific Northwest, from the Cascades to Western Montana, from Southern Oregon/Idaho to the Canadian border. If you see a culvert in use in this area, it is more likely than not a product of Mike and Walt. He served on many boards, one to include President of the Corrugated Steel Pipe Association. Mike and Walt would sell the business in 2000. In retirement, Mike spent his time doing what mattered most – being with Doreen and their family. Whether it was a weekend at their Lake Roosevelt cabin boating, swimming in their pool, or riding his Harley Davidson, Mike enjoyed his life that he built for himself.

Mike was a man his family could count on. He showed up for his kids and grandkids, no matter what the occasion. Games, recitals, birthdays – if it was important to them, it was important to him. His steady presence and reliability made a lasting impact, through gestures big and small, being available, involved, and supportive.

Mike enjoyed driving his 1934 Ford. He enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid Formula One fan. Mike raced cars in his youth in the Open Wheel Division at the Spokane Fairgrounds and would serve as the pit crew and mechanic for his son Pat, as they raced and won many races and season championships at Stateline Speedway.

Mike was a world class storyteller and held the audience around the family dinner table. His stories included: working an entire summer on a farm for an ice cream cone, digging a basement by hand, having a pitchfork run through his thigh while he hid in hay from his cousin, having to paint the bottom of his feet black so it looked like he had soles in his shoes, living in a bomb shelter, knowing the punishment to come from the Nuns, taping magazines to his hamstrings under his pants, and many more. He was an avid reader of all types and never let a Civil War, WWI, WWII documentary go unwatched. Mike was the handyman's handyman. He loved being asked to help with a project, showed up with every tool necessary, and wouldn't be satisfied with failure. Life and experiences were his education, not a classroom.

The family would like to thank the Greenstaff caregivers, Jhoel, Robbie, and Kristin, for their professionalism and respectful care during Mike's final months. We also appreciate the staff at Hospice of Spokane for their steady guidance and support, and a special thanks to his nurse Heidi.

To our Mother, whose consistent dedication and care never faltered, we recognize her strength and commitment.

And to Mike's sons – Mike, Pat, and Chris – who stepped in without hesitation to assist their father when he could no longer manage daily tasks. It was a role they embraced willingly, knowing they were simply returning the care and support he had given them throughout their lives.

Mike is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doreen: his children, Mike Jr. (Paula and extended family), Pat (Jackie), and Chris (Sonja); his grandchildren, Ryan, Riley, Grace, Jacob, and Abby; and his sister, Lynn Lewis (Dewayne). He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Patricia Lewis; as well as his sister, Bonnie Eubanks.

A funeral service will be held on September 13, 2025, at 10:00 am, at Hennessey Valley (1315 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley), with a small reception on site afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Please join us in celebrating Mike's life with a reception after the service at his residence, 1104 S. Steen Ct., at 12:30 pm. Food and drink provided.

To share memories of Mike or to leave condolences for his family, please visit his online obituary at www.hennesseyfh.com.