Gary Lee Lewis

Gary Lee Lewis, 65, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2014 at his home. Gary L. Lewis was born October 5, 1948 in Tampa, Florida to Jackson A. and Gertrude Manning Lewis. At the time of Gary's birth, Jackson was a pilot in the Army Air Force, stationed in Germany so Gertrude boarded the Queen Mary with her newborn baby boy and his sisters, Jacky and Linda, and they sailed the seas to join Jackson to live in Berlin, Germany. The Lewis family settled in Clinton, Iowa, where Gary attended school. He grew up on the Mississippi River fishing, swimming, boating, and said he loved everything about Iowa... except the bugs. Gary enjoyed time playing at Aunt Nonie's farm. He was a skilled fisherman all of his life, and enjoyed trapping, hunting, and bow hunting. Gary related great memories of family fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota. He was curious, intelligent and creative all of his life, and as a boy created and built an inverted bike. Gary loved bird watching whether in the wild, with binoculars, or while they were eating from his bird feeders. He researched each new type of bird he saw, learning and remembering their names, and also enjoyed collecting bird figurines. Gary has always had a fascination with astronomy and even as a very young boy could name the constellations. As an adult, he purchased telescopes and explored the stars and skies even more, sharing his knowledge to the delight of his siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1968, Gary took a job with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in the Wheel House. When those shops closed, he moved to Pocatello, Idaho in 1995 to work for Union Pacific Railroad. Gary worked night shifts for decades and lived well with that schedule. He worked for UPRR in several positions and retired as a Machinist. Gary had a thirst for knowledge and was therefore very well-read on many topics. He also had an expertise with cars and enjoyed researching about them and the newest automobile technologies and features. Gary had a quick wit and fun sense of humor and there was often joking and laughter with him present. He was also a creative and skilled home chef, grilling and cooking delicious meals he enjoyed sharing with family. Gary was an adventurer and explorer, driving all around Idaho and the West. He delighted in learning, and knew many facts, items of interest, stories and geographical locations about Idaho and the Western region, perhaps more than many who have lived here since birth. Gary didn't think he would ever marry, but he had a coworker whose wife was a coworker of Tracy Green and the couple decided it would be a great idea to set Gary and Tracy up on a blind date. Tracy, who was shy, independent, unmarried and determined to stay that way, wasn't sure of this plan. In the end she said she decided to go on the blind date because, "What the heck, it's a free meal and trip to Lava!" That was February 12, 1999 and Tracy said of their date, "He was a gentleman. And so much fun! I was immediately comfortable with him. We talked and laughed like we were old friends!" On May 14, 1999 Gary married the love of his life, and he has enjoyed 15 years of loving companionship, often telling Tracy, "I did better than winning the lottery, when I married you!" Gary was a beloved "chosen grandpa" by the precious neighbor children, and he and Tracy welcomed them with open arms and a full treat bucket. Much time was spent laughing, coloring, drawing, playing, cooking, and watching children's shows together. What joyful times! Gary was preceded in death by his parents Jackson and Gertrude Lewis, and his parents-in-law Beverly, Dellas, and Vonda Green. He is survived by siblings, Jacky Jennings, Linda Langrock, and Tom Lewis; wife Tracy; brother-in-law, Lee (Peggy) Green; dear nieces and nephews; and cherished chosen-grandchildren from the neighborhood. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 11 AM at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 2864 S. 5 th Ave. Pocatello, ID. 83204 Condolences can be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com