Jon Russell Lewis

Jon Russell Lewis was born Nov. 27, 1940, in Oakland, CA to Robert Gunnell Lewis and Doris Russell Lewis. He died Feb. 24, 2009, age 68, in Puyallup, WA. Jon died of pancreatic cancer. His final concern was teaching others of the need to eat natural healthy foods and limiting dairy and meat.

Jon graduated from Grant High School, Portland, OR, in 1958. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in 1962 from Linfield College, McMinnville, OR. He then attended one year of seminary at Berkeley Baptist Divinity School in CA. His former mother-in-law, Sue Thair, suggested he consider teaching children as a way to combine his desire to work with youth and his skills in teaching and math. Jon returned to Linfield and earned his Master's degree in Education in 1965. Jon and his former wife, Sandy Fidel, raised their children and worked in McMinnville for 20 years.

Jon and Elaine were married in 1985. Jon was a loving and patient Dad to Elaine's three daughters. They worked and resided in the Tri-Cities over 14 years. Throughout his career, Jon taught middle school, high school, junior college and adult ed classes. He held technology positions with Boeing and the Education School District in Pasco. He returned to teaching high school math at Ilwaco, WA, where he and Elaine enjoyed clamming, photography, and walking the peninsula beaches prior to retirement in 2005. The appreciation of students and parents for Jon's "gift of teaching" was a beautiful tribute to his dedication. Jon & Elaine moved to the Seattle area at retirement and Jon devoted more time to photography and travel. He won many ribbons and Best of Show awards at Long Beach, Auburn, and Sun City West, AZ.

Jon is survived by his wife of 23 years – Elaine; children – Lisa Lewis, Mark Lewis, Greg Lewis all of OR, Diane Berry, Doreen Baker, Denise Fast all of WA. He is also survived by brother Jim Lewis of WA, sister Diane Gozzi of CA, stepfather Herman Gettman of OR, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Jon was preceded In death by his parents and a grandson.

Elaine wishes to thank her daughters Doreen and Denise for loving assistance and support. Jon and Elaine thank their children, Mike & Laurie Roberts, Jim & Joni Lewis, and Diane Gozzi for their compassionate care. Thank you to Virda Nunn for always being there. A special thanks to Mark Lewis and Denise Fast for helping fulfill Jon's desire to return to Washington.

Jon's memory may be celebrated with a donation to Hospice of AZ or the Tri-Cities, by doing a good deed, or by spending time with a person living alone.

The funeral will be held at the Memories at Sunset Event Center in the Sunset Memorial Gardens grounds, Richland, WA, at 2 pm, Monday, March 2nd. Viewing will be available Sunday, 5 to 8 pm.