John Murray "Jack" Lewis
Jack passed away peacefully and surrounded by daughters Robyne and Shelley at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 during a winning Blue Jay game.
Born on January 24, 1933, (the Night before Burn's Day) Jack had a wonderful childhood and made many lifelong friends in his hometown of Lindsay, Ontario. He was the youngest son of Helen and Harry Lewis and had two older brothers James, and Robert. All brothers were known by their more casual names….so – it was always Jim, Bob and Jack. And as he said modestly many times…."What could be simpler than that?"
George McFadden was affectionately referred to as "the fourth Lewis brother" and the Bellamy brothers, George and Bob rounded out the gang from Pumpkin Hollow.
Jack spent his entire life fostering and maintaining cherished friendships. While in school in Lindsay such notables as Bob Puffer, Shirley Pitts, Arn Karrys and Jack Debois were added to his core group which remained with him for life.
Leaving Lindsay in 1951 – he attended the University of Toronto and graduated in the class of 1955 with a degree in Commerce and Finance – fondly referred to as "Jewish Engineering". Here again – he established countless friends that keep in touch regularly having just celebrated their 60th class reunion.
Graduating in an economic boom time, he was hired immediately by IBM. After a training program in Toronto, he was transferred to the IBM London, Ontario Branch for 8 years.
It was during his time in London that he and close friend Bruce Johnson went on a magical blind date with two beauties from Chatham, Ontario. Within a few minutes, Jack wanted to "switch" dates as he was hit by cupid's arrow with "love at first sight". He pursued Marlene Reaume with his heart and soul – a woman who he readily admitted (and she reminded him constantly) was just "a little out of his league". They married on October 3, 1959 in Chatham, Ontario and established a residence while working in London. True to form, many other lifelong friends were created in those early days at IBM, the Ryersie Road neighbourhood and at the Granite Club.
Marlene and Jack relocated to Waterloo in 1963 when Jack was named IBM Branch Manager – quite an honour for a 30 year old. Daughters Shelley and Robyne were born during the six years in the Ktichener -Waterloo area and once again uncommon lifelong bonds were formed at their home on Ferndale Place.
Inevitably Jack evolved into an entrepreneur – and a move to Oakville in 1969 brought him to establish the Canadian office of Dearborn Computer, a Chicago based computer leasing firm. With this move, the Lewis family settled into a comfortable home and a social group in Oakville that remains both precious and active to this day.
Over the years, Jack had a great sense of pride leasing and servicing computers to such noteworthy clients as Chrysler Canada, Sears, the University of Windsor and Glaxo Canada. He also took joy in his other business ventures and his involvement with partners such as Len Sanci, Ken Gerrie and Brian Baker. In 1975 he was named President of CIPS – Computer Information Processing Society.
No discussion of Jack Lewis would be complete without the mention of his enduring fascination with Politics. Inspired by his mother and grandfather, he championed the Conservative causes of low interest rates, reasonable taxes and a stimulating environment for small business while he worked hard to elect both Jim Snow, MPP and Otto Jelinek, MP in the 1970's and 1980's. He further contributed to the PC parties both provincially and federally by serving as President of both Oakville PC Associations. Many believe his efforts made a true difference. It certainly was not all work and no play – since many of the gang are part of the Lunch Bunch which meets regularly on Fridays. Until his illness in April, Jack would not dream of missing a single session!
Jack served on the board of directors of the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for several years and was pleased to organize the Dinner at Pineland Farm which raised funds in the 1980s to purchase the Cat Scan for OTMH.
Lindsay always held a magical place in Jack's heart – so the location of the family cottage on Balsam Lake was a natural fit. The family renews friendships every summer on Iris Drive and surrounding area.
Aside from business and politics, leisure time was also spent at their home at 1200 Hillsboro in Florida – another wonderful retreat enjoyed for 30 years by the entire family.
Jack was always helping both daughters to pursue their dreams. His financial assistance was appreciated and his sound advice was unending and will be profoundly missed.
Jack was a good man, a great father and always added a sparkle to any occasion. He was often the instigator – but at the very least – could be counted on to join in the fun. Known affectionately as "Jacktalker" he spent endless hours on the phone enthusiastically reviewing sporting events, newsworthy issues of the day, making bets and discussing anything remotely political. He was simply thrilled that his beloved Blue Jays were having such a memorable season!
Friends may join the family for a visitation on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Kopriva Taylor Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road W in Oakville from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 11 am at St. Jude's Anglican Church at 160 William Street in Oakville. Reception to follow at the Oakville Club (nearby) at 56 Water Street. There will be cars available to shuttle visitors as required. In lieu of flowers, any donations to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital or to Golden Rescue would be greatly appreciated.