Lewis A. Crew

About

Pontiac High School Eastern Michigan University Wayne State University

Lewis Crew Obituary

Crew, Lewis A.; of Sylvan Lake; age 93; died Thursday, October 9, 2014. A musician, educator, master woodworker, and World War II Navy veteran. Survived by Alice his wife of 66 years; daughter, Cathy (Brian) of Macomb, MI; sons, Charles (Nancy) of Raleigh, NC, and Thomas (Brenda) of Long Beach, MS; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Graduate of Pontiac High School 1939, Eastern Michigan University, and Wayne State University. Following his wartime service in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Tate (AKA-70) he was an instrumental music teacher in Utica and then the Pontiac Public Schools. After a short stint as a principal he became a personnel director for the Pontiac Schools serving in that position until the early 1980’s. He coauthored several manuals for Educational Personnel Practices, Inc., that served as the foundation for his private consulting business. A lifelong musician, he loved to play and teach the flute right up until the time of his passing. During his retirement he stayed busy in his wood shop constructing a wide variety of wood crafts under the moniker of Crewcraft. Little pleased him more than giving these items away as gifts to anyone who showed him friendship or kindness. This was a true testament to his character for he believed and taught that by giving of yourself the world would return those gifts in unimaginable ways. A Memorial Service will be held at the Sylvan Lake Community Center followed by internment at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.

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Published by The Oakland Press from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Lewis Crew

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9 Entries

Susan Ferguson

July 28, 2023

Mr. Crew hired me in Pontiac, Michigan for my first full time teaching position in 1974. What a classy, professional he was! He believed in me, and placed me in an innovative school for the times to jumpstart my career. I´ll always remember him.

Robin Kemp

December 25, 2014

Mr. Crew was a very talented man. He was my best friend's father in law. They gave me one of his Crewcraft pens for Christmas. My prayers are with the Crew family.

October 21, 2014

James Turner who took over Louis 6th grade class. He was a wonderful guy and beat me in golf often. What a wonderful life he had and was an inspiration to all he came in contact with.

Alonzo (Lon) Seaboldt

October 16, 2014

Lew was a sane voice in a sometimes insane educational world. I honor him in my prayers

Pat Tiberg (Cox)

October 16, 2014

Lewis Crew was my song flute, clarinet and violin teacher at Longfellow Elementary and also my sixth grade teacher. I will NEVER forget a project he had our class do--We had to plan a deer hunting trip and completely budget all aspects of said trip and also "write checks" to pay for this trip. What a wonderful and extremely useful experience! I still have my trip folder. I believe he sparked my interest in accounting and finance. I saw him again when I worked for Pontiac Schools (Purchasing Dept.) my senior year of high school-(1964-65) and when I was hired full time afterward. I was delighted to see him again. He was a awesome teacher, a wonderful and caring man, and made a huge difference in many lives. He will truly be missed.

October 15, 2014

Lee was a lovely gentleman, always smiling. He will be missed. Monika

Donna Rofe-Olkowski

October 15, 2014

Lewis was a band director and a flute teacher for me. I still remember lessons in the basement. A great role model for me as I followed in his footsteps. Condolences to the family for this wonderful man.

William Richardson

October 14, 2014

Little did I know when I met Lewis Crew in the spring of 1962 what an influence he would have on my life.......I was NOT a good college student and my academic credentials reflected that. BUT, after interviewing me, he insisted I sign a contract with Pontiac Schools to teach Latin and English. Who could EVER say "no" to Lewis Crew? Because of him, I taught in the Pontiac School system from 1962-1995. This man changed my life in ways I could never describe in words. Every dream I ever had of becoming a teacher was realized while at PCHS(HIS school) In recent years, I saw Lewie and Alice, annually,at Xmas time and on each of those occasions, I let him know how appreciative I was of all he had done for me.....This humble man touched and altered the lives of thousands of human beings who will never forget his generosity and kindness. Lewis Crew "made a difference" and the world became a better place because of him. My condolences to Alice, Cathy, Tom and Chuck and the extended family.......

October 13, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. God is loving and caring. He will open his hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16

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