Greetings Friends:
As many of you know by now, our beloved Steve Lewis passed away on February 6 -- two days before his 71st birthday -- in Phoenix, AZ.  He passed away from cardiac arrest stemming from pneumonia.  It was a long journey from diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in October 2016 to today -- where he is now free of his broken body.  Thank you to so many of you who reached out in so many ways during these past three years.  It meant so very much to us.  

Here is the obituary that will appear in the February 19th edition of the PARK RECORD newspaper:

Steven Orson Lewis was born in Salt Lake City on a record-breaking, snow-storm day after his mom traveled by sled to the hospital.  The weather drama surrounding his birth is a fitting symbol of the hard work ethic, passion, and tenacity that he honed and used when met with life’s adversities.  He traveled through his health storms with grace, humor and determination much like he faced all of his challenges.

After milking cows on the family farm in Hunter, Utah, Steve studied at Westminster College and then pursued graduate work at the U of U in architecture before being summoned to run the family business – Lewis Bros. Stages.  He started and ran a series of businesses related to passenger transit ending with the passenger shuttle service in Bryce Canyon National Park.

At heart, Steve was both spiritual and creative.  He loved writing, painting and enjoying nature with family and friends.  His favorite places to relax and explore were the beloved family cabin in the Uintah Mountains and the deserts of Southern Utah.  His international travels took him cycling through Europe including the Ionian coast of Greece, kayaking the Li River in China and service work and safaris in Kenya.  More recently, Steve and his wife, Deborah, embraced the desert charm of Arizona where Steve underwent a double lung transplant for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. 

Steve will always be cherished for the gentle way he related to people in his life.  He always seemed to make time to listen and offer wise counsel.  His desire to be present and attentive to others’ needs would often make him late for his next commitment.  Like the time he almost missed his flight for a one-day business meeting and, in his haste, mistakenly left the engine running in his car in the airport parking lot.

Already missing those loving, soulful blue eyes are his wife of 31 years, Deborah, son Owen (Lisa) and daughters Emily (Luke), Alison, Stephanie (Clifford), sisters (Diana and Tina) and their families and nephew Matt -- who was like another son to Steve – and his family.  Also missing “Papa” are grandchildren Fiona, Jack, Lyra, Blake and Ella Jo.  To thank the multitude of medical professionals who were involved with Steve’s care over the years would take a separate page.  There were many and we give our heartfelt thanks. 

In lieu of flowers Steve would urge everyone to be listed as organ donors and to be sure and register to vote – and vote!  He might also request donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.  A “Celebration of Life” gathering will be held February 21st from 2 to 4 p.m. at Park City Community Church in Park City, Utah.   Pictures and memories of Steve can be shared on the www.SamaritanFuneralHome.com website.

Your gentle and generous spirit will be in our hearts always… and as Steve ended every Christmas letter for over 30 years…

God Bless Us Everyone!