RETIRED RCAF CWO
We have lost someone very special. Following 9 years of battling cancer, Lew decided it was time to rest. He passed away on July 12, 2013 at NRGHospital (while doing a crossword puzzle). Lew was born on December 21st, 1932, in Edmundston New Brunswick where he spent his early years as an avid hockey player. As a teen he trained as an Air Cadet and then enlisted in the RCAF as an Electronics technician where he rose to the rank of CWO. He was the recipient of many awards and decorations; a life he loved until retirement. The whole family benefited from being posted coast to coast as well as Europe. Lew also served as a Peace Keeper in Egypt. He met his wife Elena in St. John’s Newfoundland and they recently celebrated 57 years together. They had 2 children; Tony (Anita), grandson Michael (Briana) and granddaughter Breanne. He was predeceased by daughter Colleen who they never stopped missing. Lew was part of a large French Canadian family with 3 sisters (Grace, Theresa, Betty-ann) and 1 brother (Gil) and many nieces and nephews. The large family on his wife’s side were also very important to him, especially June. His last military posting to Nanaimo saw retirement, fun and comradeship in the many activities in which he was involved such as; golf, curling, bridge, Member of Probus, and 257 Legion. He was also an active member of 808 RCAF Wing right up to his passing. The care given by the Nanaimo Cancer Agency (Dr. Dunne), Dr. Voetman, the staff on the fourth floor, especially nurse Laura, was exceptional. We owe Dr. Chan special thanks and he will understand why. Lew was a true gentleman, a wonderful husband and father. He was a great friend to many that crossed his path - always smiling with a positive outlook - right to the end. Thank you to everyone who reached out.
A family gathering will be held at a later date.