Walter Leon Lewis

After 86 years of a full and adventurous life Walter “Leon” Lewis passed away April 24th, 2024. Leon was born March 11, 1938 in Metaline WA to Jessie and Roberta Lewis. The family moved to Spokane where he attended Arlington Elementary and graduated from Rogers High School in 1956. He earned his degree in Chemistry from EWU. During the summers he worked various jobs, including a memorable stint in Alaska with his brother Jerry. In August of 1961, Leon married the love of his life, Barbara Brown. Their adventures began in Hawaii where Leon served in the Army for two years as a medic at Schofield Barracks. Their son Kevin was born at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Upon returning to Spokane, Leon began his career at Hollister Stier Laboratories. Kathy, their second child, was born and the family enjoyed many family gatherings and time in the outdoors. Leon, with the help of a few friends and his brother Vern, built an A frame cabin on the Pend Orielle River and it was here the family enjoyed waterskiing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, fishing, playing basketball and volleyball and many nights around the campfire. Barb and Leon loved to entertain, and Leon was the ringleader of fun. Leon retired from URM Stores in 1998 and spent 20 years snow birding in Surprise AZ. They made great friends while playing pickleball, bocci, golf, and socializing at Sun City Grand. Leon learned to play the dobro and led a biking group while following his passion for fitness. They traveled to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and found great joy in following their kids and grandkids in their sports and other activities. Leon focused on health in later years and could be found tending his vegetable garden where he grew and created many healthy dinners. Leon and Barb lived a wonderful life together for 59 years and spent the last few at Revel Spokane enjoying independent senior living. After Barb passed in 2020, Leon grew especially close to his sister Vivian and they enjoyed talking over Facetime. Leon is survived by his daughter Kathy (Roger), daughter-in-law Anneke (Steve), grandchildren Shea, Kendall, Jesse, Alison, Josie, and Clay, aunt Ruby, sister Vivian, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Leon was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers Jerry and Vern, wife Barbara and son Kevin. A special thank you for the love and care provided by Golden Horizon AFH and Hospice of Spokane. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and donations may be made to the Spokane Humane Society.