Alexander Junior Lewis February 22, 1925 – March 3, 2020
JR, our father passed away peacefully at Leamington Hospital surrounded by close family, March 3, 2020 just days after his 95th birthday.
JR was born in Colchester North, Ontario February 22, 1925, son of Elby and Alma (Kennedy) Lewis.
JR was pre-deceased by his wife of 65 loving years Edithe Katherine (McGeachy) Lewis (d. 2019); his daughter Bonnie Eileen (d. 2015) (Paul) Carter; his Brother Jack S K Lewis (d. 2014) (Margaret d. 2016); his sister Mary E Lewis (d. 1999); Brother in law Neil McGeachy (d. 2003) (Jane).
Survived by children Rebecca Ashworth, Doug (Susan) Lewis, Brian (Kelly) Lewis; cherished Grandfather ‘Papa’ for many years to Melissa, Sean, Rene’, Annie, Meagan, Victoria(Tori), Carson, Hayley; Proud Great-Grandfather to Dannika, Joshua, Emilee, Max, and George. Uncle to Brad, Kim, Tom Lewis, and Mary Beth (Lewis) Everaert. Brother in law of Jane McGeachy and uncle to (Jane and Neils children) Lynn, Scott, and Susan and various great and great great nephews and nieces and their families.
JR grew up in the Colchester and Gesto area in early childhood, and in the 1930’s helped start up the Lewis Dairy family farmstead where he continued to work for most of his life. Working hard on the family farm with his close family, father Elby, mother Alma, brother Jack and sister Mary. JR later married his sweetheart from Chatham Edithe Oct 8, 1953 and brought her to live on the farm where they raised a family of 4 children who also eventually had families, which JR and Edithe greatly enjoyed for many years.
JR loved nothing better than being at home, working around the farm, caring for his dog companions Lady, Elmer, Skeeter (I&II) and Elliot , tidying up around the yard, caring for the landscaping, organizing things in the barns, sheds and “over at the dairy”. JR often said “there’s no place like home” – where JR resided until health conditions no longer allowed this in 2018 where he re-joined his wife Edithe at Seacliffe Manor retirement home.
Growing up during those short breaks from working, JR played trumpet In Kingsville Es Boys Band. JR and Edithe raised their family in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Then In the 1970s and early 1980s JR and Edithe owned and operated Lewis Dairy which was his passion and life’s work, where many mornings a 4am awakening led to a long day of fulfilling work from which JR felt a great accomplishment having started it along with family.
Having family and children around as part of the family farm and dairy operation was also a great pleasure for JR; as all family contributed in their own way to the success of the family business as they grew. In 1981 the Lewis Dairy processing license was sold to Becker’s and JR was able to wind down the pace of work and he semi-retired. He worked as an independent delivery agent for Lakeside Jersey Dairy until 1985, and then they enjoyed a 30 plus year retirement from the fast pace of working life.
JR was an active member of the community and long-time member of Epworth United Church and sang in the Epworth choir for over 70 years, much of this time alongside his brother Jack.
The Lewis Family will receive family and friends at the Kendrick Funeral Home in Kingsville Friday March 6, 2020 visitation from 4pm to 8pm, with a service of celebration at 11 am, Saturday March 7, 2020 at Epworth United Church, Kingsville. Interment to follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Kingsville.
If desired, JR’s memory may be honoured via donations to the Epworth United Church – Kingsville Memorial Fund. Condolences received at www.Kendrickfuneralhome.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of JR Alexander Lewis-Kingsville Celebration Centre March 3 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Kingsville, Province: Ontario