Obituary of Cecil Lewis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cecil (dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend).  It is with great joy that we describe his life to all that knew him.

Born January 27, 1932 in the Galahad Hospital into the expanding family of Jake and Josephine Lewis.  Ten siblings made for a cozy farmhouse.

Cecil was raised on the farm south of Killam that was the turn of the century homestead of Jake.  Times were hard, as Dad often recounted the generosity of apples sent from BC and salted cod from the Maritimes, yet still reminisced how much fun they had competing with each other as they did their chores.  Little did they know they were just trying to survive the dirty thirties.

Dad and Mom (Elizabeth (Betty) Pearl Rancier) were married on November 7, 1958.  They bought the Ray Meeks farm and so the story began as they continued to add to their land base.  Dad took great pride in the knowledge that the Lewis homestead received century farm status, and the fact that generations of the Lewis’ have continued to farm the land that his dad had broken and improved on a $10 bet.

Brent (1960), Randy (1962), and Denise (1965) all joined the workforce enthusiastically.

After Mom’s passing in August of 2014, Dad continued to farm.  Right up to and including Spring 2025 where he seeded over    2,000 acres.

Dad’s second passion was his love of sports.   Watching the Blue Jays would often ignite stories of the Merna ball team and the rowdy games that occurred between other districts.   Following local sports played by his grand and great grandkids brought sparks to his eyes and gave him great delight.

Dad will be missed by all.  He leaves his 3 children, brother Dan (Gert), sister Shirley (Keith), 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, countless nieces, nephews, and their children.

A Funeral Service for Cecil will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday June 29, 2025 at the Killam Community Hall. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service. 

The Lewis and Marquart family wish to extend their appreciation to the Sorenson family and local community for the outpouring of support.

Any donations to Killam & District Health Care foundation c/o Palliative Care Unit, whose staff went above and beyond in Dad’s final days, are welcomed.