William Howard Lewis

LEWIS, William H. “Bill” of Rancho Bernardo, California passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017. Bill was born on September 19, 1933 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Lawrence Lewis and his wife Gladys (born Hamilton). Raised in northern California and a graduate of San Jose City College, he was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany while in the U.S. Army and later lived on Long Island, New York and Kalamazoo, Michigan before returning to California and settling in the San Diego area prior to retirement. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army for 2½ years during the Korean War, Bill had a long and memorable career exporting automotive equipment and diagnostic tools. Fluent in English, German and Spanish, he traveled widely, visiting and working in 120 countries, on six continents around the world. People who had the opportunity to view his passports were always amazed at the varied and exotic locales he visited. During his career, he was a member of the Michigan District Export Council by appointment of the Secretary of Commerce of the United States, a board member of the Western Michigan International Trade Council and earned the coveted U.S. Presidential “E” Award for Export Excellence. In addition to delighting in his work and travels, Bill loved his cats, the performing arts, cooking, fine wine, and could fix most anything. As he watched his sons struggle to repair things, he was often heard muttering, “If all else fails, read the instructions.” Starting as a member of the Sea Scouts, he was also an avid sailor who at one time even taught celestial navigation. Going with him to the beach on a cold February morning to record the angle of stars above the horizon at sunrise was punishment for the sons. His passion for his sail boats continued throughout his life as he cruised on Long Island Sound, the Great Lakes and the Pacific. Surviving are a brother, Richard (Kat) Lewis; three sons, Robert (Jane) Lewis, Michael (Debra) Lewis, and Richard Lewis; a daughter, Robin (Pierre) Meilhac; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, California with a military ceremony scheduled for April. Photo attached: Bill during a recent visit to “The Getty” art museum.