Peter Lewis
May 8, 1950 – August 26, 2008
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden passing of Peter Lewis on August 26th, 2008. He was born on May 8, 1950 and raised in Rochester, New York. In 1970, Peter went to Yosemite National Park to work on a trail crew and fell in love with the
mountains. He attended Columbia University and finished his graduate studies in Forestry at Yale University. He spent the rest of his life sharing that love with his family and friends. Peter inspired thousands of young people to follow him into the backcountry through his work with the California Conservation Corps for nearly thirty years. He was a great leader. In his work for the California Conservation Corps, he helped to create and sustain a backcountry trails program that is a national model. Graduates of this program have gone on to careers in parks and forests throughout America, advancing the stewardship ethic that they learned from him. He touched countless lives. He had enormous energy and an enveloping spirit. To meet him for an hour was to gain a friend for life.
Peter’s sons, Gabe and Forrest, have fond memories of their dad always sitting on the bleachers to watch their many sports events, hiking with him through the Sierras, his love of swimming in cold mountain lakes and rivers, his enjoyment listening to talk radio and the way he loved to play the harmonica around the campfire.
Peter is survived by his wife, Cheryl, his sons, Gabriel, 17, Forrest, 13, his sister, Barbara and brother-in-law Don Paulson, his brother, Scott Lewis and sister-in-law, Bernice Lewis, his nieces, Julie Sherman and Mariah Lewis and nephew, Walker Paulson. He was predeceased by his parents, Wolfe and
Phyllis Lewis. Peter will be greatly missed by his family and many dear friends.
A memorial service will be held for Peter at 2pm on September 7th at the Wharfinger Building: 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA.
In lieu of flowers, an education fund/support has been established that will benefit the Lewis sons’ college/support needs. Gifts in this form will be greatly appreciated. Please make your contributions to The Lewis Memorial Account for benefit of Gabriel and Forrest Lewis at any of the Umpqua Banks in Humboldt, CA. or in Arcata at: 1063 G Street Arcata, CA, 95521. The Lewis family thanks you all for your overwhelming support.
Family and friends are welcome to gather for prayer services at 470 Lynn Street, Arcata, CA, followed by a potluck dinner from 6-8pm on the following dates: Sunday, August 31st and Monday through Wednesday, September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
All your entries are welcome. A celebration of Peter Lewis’ life is planned for midday September 24, 2008 in Yosemite Valley. Please access the blogspot in the days ahead for information and updates on this celebratory event.
The Lewis family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.