Robert John Lewis

It is with deepest sadness that Robert’s family announces his sudden passing, while travelling with his wife Maureen through Utah, United States, on Friday, January 22nd, 2016.  He was predeceased by his father, Harvey C. Lewis in January of 2012.  Robert is survived by his wife, Maureen; son, Robbie (wife Lanette and sons Parker, Kolby and Karson); daughter, Jessica (husband Chad Scott and children Harper, Willow, Chayden and Kain Kell); as well as stepson, Lorne Caines, all of Moose Jaw, SK.  His family, and most recently all those grandchildren, were his absolute pride and joy!  Robert will also be deeply missed by his mother, Helen Lewis of Moose Jaw, whom he cherished; sister, Joy Pirlot of Regina, SK and her children Rosalyn McMillan, Jason Pirlot and their families; sister, Karen Lewis (Calgary, AB) and her daughters Cody Ksienski (and family), Ella Lewis and son Nic Wandler all of Calgary, AB; brother, Craig and his wife Shawna and their children, son Logan and daughter Shay-Lea all of Moose Jaw, SK; sister, Kay Thul and her husband Richard and their sons Christopher and Haddow and their families, all of Calgary and area.  Robert is also survived by many members of Maureen’s family in Newfoundland, as well as Uncle David and Aunt Audrey of Carlyle, SK; and many cousins, mainly in Western Canada.  Robert will be remembered by many close friends in Moose Jaw and area, as well as friends province wide.  Robert was born in Arcola, SK on August 17th, 1952 and the young Lewis family lived in a variety of locations following Harvey’s work, settling permanently in Moose Jaw in Robert’s early years.  Robert graduated from Central Collegiate in 1970.  Upon graduation, Robert and his parents incorporated H.C.L. Construction Ltd. where he remained fully active for 46 years till his passing.  In addition to working with his son Robbie and brother Craig at H.C.L., Robert fulfilled his lifelong passion for horses by creating the Over the Top Equine Center with lots of help from Jessica, Chad, Robbie and Lanette on the family farm just outside of Moose Jaw.  In 2010 Robert, through H.C.L., also became involved in partnership in Davidson Aggregates Ltd in Moose Jaw with a good family friend of the Lewis’.  Most recently, along with good friend Dave Clark and others, he found entertainment and enjoyment in ownership of a couple of racehorses.  Robert was extremely hard working and giving of his time to family and friends, caring and compassion ran deep within him, his concern for others and their well-being was foremost in his thoughts and actions.  Robert was very community minded, volunteering his time in many areas, time that was difficult to find in his busy work life.  He was a member of the Doric/St. George Lodge #71 serving as Worshipful Master three times, a member of the Valley of Regina Scottish Rite and member of the Royal Order of Scotland.  He was also Past President of the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company and most recently was serving as President of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation.  Many thanks to our good friend George Decap for rushing to Maureen’s side in Utah till family could arrive, and to the two Godsend absolute strangers but now friends Cindy and Hayley of Utah for helping Maureen and family through all the tough days in Utah.  Thank you to all for the calls, visits and condolences.  Robert’s passing has come as a shock to all and has left a huge hole in the Lewis family, as well as Robert and Maureen’s close circle of friends. He was loved by all of us and was held in high regard by those who knew him, having lived a full and respected life while here.  Till we meet again…  A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 29th, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in Minto United Church, 1036 7th Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiating.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550