Richard W. Lewis

Richard W. Lewis, 76, of South Haven, Former South Haven City Mayor, died peacefully at home Thursday, March 29, 2007; he had been under the loving care of Borgess Hospice, being treated for complications from muscle, liver and kidney disease.

Dick was born September 25, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Charles H. and Hazel Lewis and the grandson of well-known Detroit philanthropist, Charles Gauss, who built and solely donated beautiful Historic Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Gauss for many years financed Sunday Lutheran Hour, broadcast from Trinity, he also was a founder of White Chapel Mausoleum.

Mr. Lewis is preceded in death, along with his parents and grandparents, by a brother, Robert Lewis and sister, Joanne Smith. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lorie; Two sons, Richard W. Jr. (Chris) of Palm Coast, Florida, and James (Linda) of Holland, Michigan; one daughter, Lisa (Martin) Capaccio of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Grandchildren: Amy, Richard W. III, Michael, and Gordon of Palm Coast, Florida, Sara (Brian) Weiderman, Katelyn and Ryan Lewis of Holland, Michigan, Jena and Joel Capaccio of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Great grandchildren: Jared and Christian of Palm Coast, Florida. One brother, Gordon Lewis of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and a brother-in-law, Robert (Pat) Porter of Cadillac, Michigan and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dick was a graduate of Detroit’s County Day School, where he participated in all sports, was class president and captained several teams. He received his BA Degree from Albion College majoring in Economics and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity on campus. Continuing his education, he earned a MA Degree from Western Michigan University in Special Education and Psychology. Mr. Lewis was then employed by South Haven Public Schools where he helped to plan and organize the Special Education Departments and taught there for 35 years.

Being civic-minded, Dick served as an alderman for 6 years and mayor of South Haven for two terms during the time when the new City Hall was built. Also, he was president of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and served as manager for a brief period. He purchased the former South Haven Laundry Building downtown and formed a corporation, Lewis Enterprises, to help his students find employment and provide space for start-up business for new entrepreneurs at reasonable rents. He also, by himself, remodeled several older South Haven homes to provide apartments with affordable rent.

Along with his wife, Dick owned and operated The Rose Shop, a floral design shop still in operation locally. At the same time, he and his partner, Gonzalo Amar, formed Mapa Mundi International Export Corp. to develop tractors for Third World countries.

Being a man of many abilities and interests (and boundless energy), Mr. Lewis was involved in the following leadership positions and achievements: Board of Directors – American and Old Kent Bank, sailboat charter business after earning a marine captain’s license, helped organize the local Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as the first navigation trainer, extension officer of the Boy Scouts, Yacht Club – member for many years and former commodore.

Dick was a member of the First United Methodist Church: he served on the Administrative Board and the Finance Committee, Taught Sunday School, and worked with the High School Youth Fellowship. Following his grandfather’s lead, helping others was a top priority in Mr. Lewis’s Life!

Dick was a “DOER”, a problem solver, unusually resourceful. He was especially attached to his family and his students. He always worked hard and he played hard! Hunting and fishing family outings and sailing on Lake Michigan were highlights of his leisure time.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 on Monday, April 2 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. A memorial celebration of life service will take place Tuesday at 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Fisher and Rev. Harold Filbrandt officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 429 Michigan Ave. South Haven 49090 or Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 348 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, 49007. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.