Obituary of J. David Lewis

J. David Lewis of Saint John, NB passed away on Friday, June 30, 2017 in Perth, Ontario. He was born on September 20, 1941 in Saint John, son of the late Arthur B. Lewis and Alice (Gillis) Lewis. David led a life which was dedicated to the service of others. As a young adult, he spent many years as a member of the Redemptorist religious order which missions to the poor and the most abandoned. He then spent years working with the federal government on behalf of immigrants and the unemployed. Later in life, he became a registered nurse and fulfilled his ambition to be at the bedside of those who were sick and/or dying. He was a graduate of Vancouver Community College, the Saint John School of Nursing and the Diocese of Saint John’s Lay Formation Program. In retirement, he devoted twelve years to volunteering in the department of Spiritual and Religious Care at both the Saint John Regional and St. Joseph’s Hospitals. He also volunteered with the Audite Centre for Spiritual Growth, AIDS Saint John and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. He was awarded a Certificate of Honour from Development and Peace for his commitment to social justice and his efforts to improve living conditions for the poorest of the poor in the Global South. David was a man with a quick wit. He loved to laugh and enjoyed all forms of music, travelling, family history and readings which focused on religion and spirituality. He was honoured to be an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception and he joyfully contributed to their mission activities. He particularly enjoyed leading Liturgies for the Sisters when he had the opportunity to share his deeply-rooted faith. David is survived by his best friend, Michael W. Campbell; his cherished siblings: Arthur B. Lewis II (Hilda) of Perth, Ontario and Mary Jane Broughton (David) of Port Hope, Ontario. He was also devoted to his nephew Arthur B. Lewis III (Shirley) of Orillia, Ontario and his niece, Donna MacDonnell (Bill) of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. David had a wide circle of friends and extended family whom he dearly loved. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). At David’s request, there will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Carmel Chapel, Ruth Ross Residence, 105 Burpee Avenue, Saint John on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Following a reception, interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice, or by simply extending an act of kindness to someone in need.