Findley James Lewis' Obituary
Forever in our hearts, Findley J Lewis passed away in his home on October 21, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.
Fin met the love of his life, Patricia, in high school. They married in 1954. Together they had three children Gary, Terry, and Debbie. Fin and Pat were married for 68 years.
Fin was a hard worker who started working at a young age for his family's business at Lewis Fur Farms. They raised silver foxes and started Topper dog and cat food which they distributed throughout the upper northeast. When Lewis Fur Farms closed its operations in 1978, Fin began what would be a 21-year career with the Ferris State University grounds department. Anyone who knew Fin knows that his work life carried over to his home life. Fin spent many hours on his John Deere mower keeping his property on the curves of Chippewa Lake road immaculate.
Fin was an expert trapper and learned to trap beaver at a young age from Fred Bush. Fin, Fred, and Jerry Buist trapped together for many years, also teaching Fin's two sons. They would skin and stretch the pelts, which would be taken to market and sold across the state.
Being outdoors filled Fin's soul. Chippewa lake was a big part of the Lewis Family life. You could find them out at their cottage enjoying the summer days with lakeside neighbors. Fin was always out on the water driving his speedboat pulling a pyramid of water-skiers.
No matter how busy Fin's day was, he always had time to cast a line. An avid outdoorsman, Fin enjoyed fishing his entire life. Whether sitting on a pail for hours on the ice or traveling to Alaska to catch their limit of halibut, the Lewis dinner table enjoyed many delicious fish fries.
Time will never heal the sense of loss we feel, but the memories we hold dear will always keep him near.
Findley was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary Lewis, and son Gary Lewis.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Lewis and his brother Lawrence Lewis. His love of the outdoors will live on through his children, Terry Lewis and Debbie Park, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2023 at the Lewis property. The family is forever grateful to Spectrum Health Hospice for their support through Findley's last weeks. Memorial contributions in Findley's name can be made to Spectrum Health Hospice (Spectrum Health Foundation, 100 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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