Dennis Blair Lewis

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Clair Gill on February 6, 2010:

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 DENNIS BLAIR LEWIS 1942 -- 2009 Forty-four years ago, a number of us were gathered in this very place to witness the marriage vows of Dennis and his beautiful bride and High School Sweetheart, Marie. Today we gather here to celebrate Dennis' life, much of which was consummated through that relationship. Dennis and Marie are so very proud of their two children, Dennis and Eileen, their spouses Amy and Vince, and their grandchildren, Madeline, Audrey, Vivian; and Vincent and Trevor. Yes, we all grieve our loss, but rest assured that we have all profited immeasurably from our association and friendship. Dennis lives on in each of us through our memories, and more importantly, by the positive example he provided. Let me introduce myself, I am Clair Gill and I had the special privilege to be Dennis' roommate at West Point for our last 2 years. Coincidentally, I played football with him. Dennis had one of the most positive outlooks of any person I have known. He was Larger than Life: - He was XXL in everything - Understated, he was a gifted, mature leader - I will miss his big bear hug greetings and farewells - His wide open smile, the twinkle in his eye and his good humor were infectious - And, as Army Black Knight fan # 1, he was steadfastly loyal through victory and loss He supported his Alma Mater (West Point) through thick and thin. I will cherish the Grey Hog cadet--made from a fence post--that he and Marie gave me upon retirement from military service. We classmates stand prouder from his example. Dennis defined the term TRUE FRIEND: - He valued his relationships with his family as you can see before you, as well as those of his classmates, business partners, his band of brothers--all who felt they were his best friend - He was so very generous and caring - In BIG things like: welcoming home here in Ohio our POW classmate, Bob Jones, after 7 years in the Hanoi Hilton - And in caring so much for our highly decorated Navy fighter pilot classmate, Tim Vogel through his debilitating and fatal illness. - In SMALL things: like organizing golf trips, making and gifting his hot pepper relish, gathering classmates and friends for West Point football games. But he also supported many other needy and worthy causes. Dennis was the ultimate organizer for having fun while serving a needy cause. He was especially attached to the Northeast Ohio Adoption Service, founded by his sister, Barbara, and through whom over 1,000 special needs children have been placed in loving homes. Dennis was actually a HOME TOWNER: - After serving courageously and honorably in the military--serving in Viet Nam as a platoon leader, company commander and advisor--he returned to his roots, to Marie and to having children and raising his family - Here he worked to improve his business and community. Most notably he was dedicated to raising his family in a values based environment--one that he nurtured Dennis was PASSIONATE: - About his life as a husband, father and family man. He gathered the clan every year for Thanksgiving and made sure he had a table set for 20+ - About his work as he grew the company into a successful family business - And he was passionate about Army football--and friends In closing: Dennis Lewis enriched all of our lives. Please take a few moments to think about just what you will remember about Dennis, and how we are so grateful for his life with us. Marie and all the family, you have so many memories to carry you ahead. Dennis fought a valiant struggle to maintain his health. With Marie and the family at his side, he did all the right things. He always set the stage to greet his family and friends, and in a glorious new life, he will greet all of us one day with his larger than life smile and a big bear hug. Paraphrasing the Greek philosopher, Thucydides, in his funeral oration for Pericles, "His memory is etched not in stone, but in the hearts of men."

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