Jack Leon Lewis, MD, 92, of Bainbridge Island, WA passed away peacefully from a brain tumor (glioblastoma) on February 14, 2023, a fitting day since his life was full of love.
Jack was born in Chicago, IL and grew up in Joliet, IL. He attended the University of Illinois Medical School and did a residency in Long Beach, CA. He became an orthopedic surgeon, starting in the US Navy and then working for Kaiser in Oakland, CA. He was one of the first doctors to utilize arthroscopic surgery for knees in Northern CA. He retired to Bainbridge Island, WA in 2000, to be near his children.
Jack met his wife, Edna, while at the University of Illinois. They moved to CA together and were married for over 67 years. They had two children – Brent Lewis (preceded in death 2011) and Alison Lewis, both doctors and whom he was immensely proud.
Jack was a lover of nature, birds, travel, family, plants and gardening. He took pleasure in knowing the botanical name of every plant in his extensive garden and enjoyed classes taught by Dan Hinkley. He spent time backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, skiing and camping throughout the world. He was an active member of Silver Sneakers, and was made to feel like family by Michael & Alexa at Island Fitness. He loved the BI Farmer’s market, and visiting with Betsey, Brian, Ann and Miss Kim every Saturday. He enjoyed reading with the BI Shakespeare group at the BI Senior Center for many years. Jack had an eternally curious mind and was an avid reader on every topic imaginable. He did the NYT Crossword puzzles daily. He was beloved by his family for his sense of fun and humor. He had a strong commitment to democracy, social welfare and peace.
Jack is survived by his wife, Edna, his daughter, Alison, his beloved yellow lab, Lily, four grandchildren – Alexa, Zoe, Ian and Ethan, Kathy Middleton, Jenny Probert and Jeffrey Wood.
The family would like to thank Stacy Stevens for her invaluable support, Ailish Wilson for her caregiving, sense of humor and her chocolate chip cookies, as well as Thomas Browning, RN and the Kaiser Permanente Hospice team for their excellent and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Island Volunteer Caregivers, Bainbridge Island Senior Center, or your preferred organization fighting for democracy and peace.
