After a full life of 102 years, Lew passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital on July 16, 2024 with trusted friends by his side. Predeceased by his parents Lewis and Ethel (née Ford), brother Grenville, sister Thelma Baker and long-time friend Arthur Wiebe. In Wales, Lew is survived by nephews Peter Madley and Andrew Baker, nieces Gillian Powell, Carolyn Baker and Vivienne Sandercott, and many grand-nephews and nieces. Locally, he will be missed by Vivian Wiebe and other close friends.
A proud Welsh Canadian, Lew was born on November 16, 1921 into a loving family in Grangetown, Cardiff. As a boy he developed a passion
for rugby, football (soccer), English studies and politics, often sneaking a read of his Father’s newspapers by 8 years old. Lew’s working life began during the Depression when he delivered newspapers on roller skates to contribute to the family income. He later worked on the Cardiff docks as a carpenter’s apprentice. By the age of 19, World War II was underway, and he enlisted in the Royal Air Force after the first Blitz attack hit his Grangetown neighbourhood. Lew’s service as ground crew on Spitfire Sqn 225 took him to North Africa, Italy, France and Austria. He was a proud veteran and attended Remembrance Day Services at the BC Legislature Cenotaph up until he was 99 years old.
After the war, Lew’s desire to explore new opportunities brought him to Vancouver, BC in 1952 and then north to Crescent Spur where he worked in the lumber industry, developed business and communications skills, and began his involvement in political affairs. In 1963 Lew returned to Vancouver as Executive Director for the Social Credit Party. In 1965 BC Department of Highways brought him to Victoria where his administrative and communication skills contributed to many high-level projects until retiring in 1987. Lew authored 6 books during retirement including James Bay Athletic Association: The first 100 years where he had served as club President 1980-81. He was a great supporter of Rugby Canada travelling with the National team overseas on many occasions. Lew never forgot the kindness and “leg ups” he received upon arriving in Canada and spent the rest of his life passing them forward to many.
Lew will be buried privately at Royal Oak Burial Park.
A memorial service followed by refreshments & desserts will take place in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens Funeral Home, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11am. A small gathering to follow this to take place at the James Bay Athletic Club, 205 Simcoe Street, Victoria.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Kid Sport and/or World Vision would continue Lew’s support for youth. Condolences may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gareth Rees and family.
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Gill Powell (nee Madley) We loved Uncle Lew’s visits to us. He was so full of wise words of encouragement for the younger ones and many interesting memories to share from his exploits especially ones of his time in sevice during the war.We were so proud of him and his fierce independence.
We are so grateful to his many friends over the years who have supported him, particularly Hans and Karma in his last weeks.
I speak on behalf of my family…Tony, Bethan, Rob and Erin; Owen, Katie, Freyda and Iris. Gill(nee Madley)
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Gary Johnston A life well lived . Proud to say that I was a friend.
Lou will join all the JBAA members in the Upper
Deck, overlooking MacDonald Park. RIP
HH Jono
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Wendy Upshon I met Lew through my husband Chris Upshon in the early 90’s, I think. Lew had retired from the provincial government and I worked in the Premier’s Office so we shared stories of politics, sometimes at the pub where Lew had several friends. He drank his usual sofa water and cranberry juice. He needed someone to type up his 300-page fictitious political novel, in preparation for him publishing. Lew was not a good speller but he was very consistent in spelling it the wrong way so I saved a little time in being able to Shift Replace several words! I accompanied him and Chris to a couple of sports award dinners and he was a charming, talkative, lovable seatmate. I will miss his sunny personalityl
Lew, was a proud Welsh Canadian who was a great support to me in my studies and my sport throughout my life. In my BC history studies at UVic he proudly regaled me with stories and information about his days working with government. In rugby we agreed to disagree on the merits of the JBAA Castaways rivalry and he was a massive support to clubs and national teams for many years. He and his blazer were often the only friendly support after Canada games in far off locations. I was proud to take my young boys to his 100th birthday and very glad he was able to spend time with them. Lew was a good friend and supporter who valued education and the doors it opened equally as much as the great game we both shared a passion for. Rugby was a community that was important to him and we will miss Lee on the sidelines and st the bar to share his unique experiences. Diolch Lew, Gareth Rees