It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Basil Lewis, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, formerly of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Basil passed away on November 2nd, 2021 in Ottawa, ON., his home for the last eight years.
Basil was born on November 30, 1922, the son of the late Ruphina MacDonald and the late Sydney Robert Lewis. Basil grew up in Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, the youngest of a family of fourteen children. Basil had many happy memories of his life in Edwardsville, of which he spoke often. He served in the Air Force as a member of the 39 Reconnaissance Unit, 2nd Tactical Division, during World War 2 and travelled overseas throughout much of Europe. Upon returning home, Basil was employed by the Canadian National Railroad where he worked for most of his adult life in an office position.
In those early years after he returned from the war, Basil met and married the love of his life, Theresa Alexandra Campbell from Whitney Pier, NS, who predeceased him in 2018. Basil and Theresa shared many happy years together while raising their four daughters: Jennifer (Adam Chmiel), Janice (Gordon Fougere), Donalda (Hugh Dwyer) and Denise (Eric Eagles), all of whom survive him.
Basil is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Matthew, Michael and Carolyn (Chmiel), David, Michelle and Caitlin (Fougere), Alex and Christine (Dwyer) and Sarah and Phillip (Eagles). Also surviving are his nine great-grandchildren: Emma and Brandon Chmiel; Forest Chmiel; Odesa and Slate Charter (Fougere); Abigail and Aiden Fougere-Pepin; and Lochlin and Arlo Eagles. Basil also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Basil was the last surviving member of his family, having been predeceased by his eight brothers: Walter, Wellington, Roy, Allan, Bert, Earl, Clyde and Vincent; and his five sisters: Lenore, Kathleen, Dorothy, Ruphina, and Margaret.
The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the excellent care provided to Basil during the last months of his life by staff of the Rideau Veterans Residence of the Perley Health Community of Care Center.
Visitation for Basil Lewis will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Tuesday, November 9th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa Church on Wednesday, November 10th at 11:00 am., Father D. Lamey officiating, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions, proof of vaccination and masks will be required at the funeral home and at the church. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the funeral service will be hosted through the TW Curry Facebook Page and available for thirty days.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer Society, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com.
