Dear Friends around the Lake,

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Dave Lewis passed away on Tuesday. Calling hours are tomorrow and the funeral is on Saturday, both in Lenox (details below).  Dave was an integral part of the Lake Buel Restoration/Preservation District from almost the very beginning.  He loved the lake, took a great deal of pride in keeping our lake in the best condition possible, and was blessed in return by innumerable friendships with lake owners over the years.  We will miss him, both as the ultimate harvester – he left a wide wake that will never be filled, and as a dear friend.

Here is his obituary:

David Harold Lewis, 56, died Tuesday, July 2 at his home in Sandisfield, MA. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 31 years, Judy Lewis, his parents Paul and Louise Lewis of Scotia, NY; son Paul (PJ) Lewis, daughters Elizabeth Lewis, Rachel Lewis, Shawn Lewis Albert and her husband Michael Albert, and 3 grandsons, Andrew, Brendan and Evan Albert; brother Nathan Lewis and his future wife Colleen Abbato; brother Martin Lewis, his wife Brenda Lewis, and their children, Kaylee and Jonah Lewis; brother Robert Lewis and his wife Maria Lewis; and sister Rena Lewis.  

After a carefree childhood in Scotia, New York, David’s early career took many turns– he was a farmhand, child care worker, caretaker, and carpenter. In 1984, he began working for the Lake Buel District, a job he continued for as long as his health permitted. A life-long love of fireworks was fulfilled when he started his own business, Berkshire Fireworks, in 1989. The small company was inspired by a desire to celebrate his treasured mother, whose birthday is July 4th. He took pleasure in the opportunity to bring joy and happiness to others on special occasions by lighting up the skies. He also embraced working out of his home because of his fondness for gardening, barbecuing perfect steaks for guests, and his dog, Morgan.

In both his personal and professional life, David was a man of strong passions. He was committed to both the Jewish principles of his upbringing and the Christian faith he adopted as an adult. His strict moral compass was tempered with compassion for others, especially his family, whom he loved and was loved by dearly. A gifted storyteller, he enjoyed recalling humorous tales of working on farms and in schools or carousing with his brothers and friends. He would sometimes surprise by reciting flawless swathes of Spanish or Hebrew from middle school memory and he occasionally broke into song when especially happy. He died as he lived: brave, faithful, and surrounded by devoted family. Calling hours will be Friday, July 5^th, at 4-7pm at Hope Church, 259 Kemble Street in Lenox, and the funeral on Saturday, July 6^th, 11am, at the same. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Nehemiah, care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA. 

With deepest sympathy to all his friends and family,

Paula

Paula M. Hatch, Chairman, Prudential Committee, Lake Buel Restoration and Preservation District