Nicholas Dean Lewis

Nicholas Dean Lewis

Nicholas Dean Lewis, a resident of Issaquah, Washington, passed away June 7, 2024, at the age of 85.  Born April 22, 1939, in Twin Falls, Idaho, Nicholas (Nick) grew up on the family farm, where he enjoyed a wonderful upbringing along with his beloved brother, Darrel Lee Lewis.  From a young age, Nick enjoyed tending the farm animals, operating machinery and irrigating fields under the watchful eye of his father, Roger Dean Lewis. He also loved attending big family gatherings, usually organized by his mother, Fern Elizabeth Lewis. He adored his many aunts, uncles and cousins and one of his favorite things was to see them at family reunions or catch up with them over the phone.

Nick was a serious student, graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1957.  While there, he participated in the drama department with leading roles in many productions.  He also held a leadership role with the local DeMolay chapter.  A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Twin Falls, it was his pastor who suggested Nick attend Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1961).  He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, and kept in touch with fraternity brothers for the rest of his life.

While at Lewis & Clark College, Nick met the love of his life, Judith McLain Lewis.  He recognized a gem when he saw one and astounded Judith (Judy) by asking her to accept his fraternity pin after a very short time.  (She accepted!).  For graduate work, Nick attended the University of Washington, earning his Master of Arts in Political Science in just one year, while also serving as a teacher’s assistant and commuting back and forth regularly to Portland to visit Judy, who was finishing up her own college career at Lewis & Clark.  At that time, the road between Seattle and Portland consisted of Old Highway 99 and Nick had every stoplight memorized.

It was on one of those quick trips that Nick proposed to Judy, and they were married June 22, 1962, in Aloha, Oregon.  Daughter Leslie Joanne Lewis and son Roger Dean Lewis II (Aubryn) followed in the next few years.  Nick’s family eventually grew to include four grandchildren: Ryan Pitney, Rose Pitney, Kyle Lewis and Tyler Lewis.  Nick loved each of them dearly.  His pride and delight in them was vast.

Straight out of college, Nick put his incredible knowledge and work ethic to hard use for the Metropolitan Planning Commission in Portland, Oregon. Then, in 1966, he moved his young family to Olympia, Washington, where he worked in state government for 20 years.  He held several positions, including Assistant Director in the Office of Planning and Fiscal Management and Chairman of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.  During these years, he worked under Governors Evans, Ray and Spellman.  He moved into the private sector in 1985, working in senior management for numerous engineering firms in the Seattle area.  Nick retired in 2005.   Many colleagues speak glowingly of Nick’s high integrity and illustrious contributions throughout his career.

A quiet, thoughtful and gentle man, Nick’s faith in the Lord was unwavering. He was active at the United Churches of Olympia for decades, serving in many capacities.  He later was a member of University Place Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, Washington, and, most recently, Bellevue Presbyterian Church. Asked once when he first found the Lord, Nick immediately answered he never found God, for God had always been with him.  He is predeceased in death by his parents and brother, and survived by his wife Judith, his children and grandchildren.

Nick will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  His life will be celebrated at Bellevue Presbyterian Church at a graveside service.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to a charity of your choice.