William Evan Lewis

August 20, 1928 – October 17, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William Evan Lewis (Bill) who passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, at age 96.

Bill was born in Royal Columbian Hospital on August 20, 1928. He is survived by Diana, his devoted wife of 54 years, son John, daughter-in-law Wilma and their children Matthew and Juliana; daughter Ann and her children Kathryn and Eryn. Predeceased by his sister Margaret Miller and survived by his niece Carol and nephew Douglas, both of Washington state.

Bill graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. His many years of community service and leadership were influential in New Westminster. He was a member of the Vancouver Stock Exchange and Westminster Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, President and Director of the New Westminster Business Improvement Area, President and Construction Director of the Parkade, and Director of the YMCA and HYAK Festival. He was elected Alderman and GVRD Representative for Electoral Area B. He owned a successful Insurance Brokerage and co-owned a commercial building in New Westminster. Despite his many accomplishments, Bill was always most proud of his family and lifelong friends, many of whom he had known since kindergarten.

He was the 1948 Junior Men Canadian figure skating champion, 1949 and 1952 Canadian Senior Men silver medalist, competed in the North American Championships, and placed 9th at the 1951 World Championships in Milan. As an international judge, he adjudicated at numerous national, international, and world competitions, and judged at the 1964 Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria. As a builder, he cofounded the Capilano Winter Club and Inlet Skating Club and was inducted into the BC Yukon Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2015.

A dedicated 75-year member and former director of the Vancouver Golf Club he cherished his time on the greens.

Bill first came to Sunnyside at 10 days old, spending summers there throughout his life before making it his permanent home from the late 60s on. His first picnic began a lifelong love of and loyalty to a place that filled his heart. He left his last Sunnyside picnic at age 95 noting “The canoes didn’t last but the friendships did”.

His love and support for family and friends were paramount in his life. He will be greatly missed.

Service of Remembrance, Burkeview Chapel, Port Coquitlam, November 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm