Stephen Lehrer
Dr. Stephen H. Lehrer
Bellevue, WA
Dr. Stephen Lehrer, 58, died April 6, 2010, in Bellevue, WA, after battling with pancreatic cancer. He was born Denver, CO. He and his wife of 31 years, Gila, married in May 1979. Together they raised two sons, Matan (24) and Tamir (21). He is also survived by one sister, Beverly Brennen Lehrer of Steamboat Streams, CO.
Dr. Lehrer graduated with honors from the University Denver in 1974 with undergraduate degrees in math and physics and a minor in history. In 1979 he obtained his doctorate degree in optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry.
Dr. Lehrer’s son Matan is a marketing graduate from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and his son Tamir currently attends the University of Oregon in Eugene, where he is studying Accounting.
Dr. Lehrer started his career at Group Health, and then worked for Virginia Mason, before deciding to open his own optometry practice, Eye Society, sixteen years ago. Eye Society was a collaboration of his professionalism and Gila’s design and retail expertise and was a shared passion in their life together. Five years ago they opened another office in Mill Creek, and recently the Bellevue Eye Society relocated to the new Bravern development in Bellevue.
An avid history lover, Dr. Lehrer and his wife traveled to many places around the world, including: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Israel, France, and England. He especially loved Greek and Roman history and enjoyed reflecting on lessons learned from those cultures. He was also an avid reader and a lover of archeological digs and rock-and-roll music. He was very generous towards others, both individually and as a whole, supporting the “Adopt a Platoon” organization as well as U.S. military veterans.
Those who knew Dr. Lehrer knew that he was a man of very high integrity who believed that his word was of utmost importance. He was very devoted to his profession and staff, and he had a great passion for his work and interaction with his patients. One could often hear him laughing with his patients as he performed eye exams. He had a dry, but intricate, sense of humor, which endeared people to him. He liked to write poems to inform his staff of company functions; Eye Society staff enjoyed many outings together, including a hot-air balloon ride.
To support and continue the wonderful work of the dedicated staff at the Overlake Cancer Center, a donation in lieu of flowers is greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to the Overlake Cancer Center, Attention Kristie Howard, 1135 116th Ave NE, Suite 230, Bellevue, WA 98004.
12 Responses to “Stephen Lehrer”
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Gila,
I am so sorry to hear that Dr. Lehrer lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. You and your son’s are in my prayers. I so enjoyed working with your husband. He was such a gentle man. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Carol Miller
Jorgenson Optical
I had the priviledge of working with Dr. Lehrer at Virginia Mason and he was a great guy. I was so sorry to see that he had passed away. My prayers are with you and your family.
Gila,
Just came to know about Dr. Lehrers death thru Karen. It’s so unreal and shocking. He was a very kind and generous man. I am so sorry to hear this. You are a strong women… Hang in there and rely on God. Our prayers are with you and the family. Please let me know if you need anything… anytime. Miss you much
Warm regards and love.
Gila, Wow! I am so shocked and saddened by your loss of Stephen. I learned of his passing yesterday and Jon and I are both sending our deepest compassion to you and the boys.
Stephen was always kind, funny and supremely professional. I will miss the laughs and family updates we shared over the years while getting my check-up. My whole family will miss him.
Deep blessings,
Tova & Jon Ramer
Gila,
I am so sorry about Stephens battle with cancer. He was a warm spirited person. He always talked proudly about you. He was exceptionally proud that you had such talent as a decorator. You had great vision he had said to me a couple of times through the years. You were truly blessed for 31 years with him.
Sincerely,
Debbie Masters
Dearest Gila,
I always enjoyed visiting with Dr. Lehrer during my exams. He was so kind and took his time explaining the exam procedures and then just chatting about the boys and their interests. He was so proud of what a wonderful job you did with the store.
It was good to see you today.
Sincerely,
Delia
I have just learned of Dr Lehrer passing today. I am shocked and saddend of his passing. Doc (as I would like to call him)and I would have a great time during my eye exams discussing history and both cracking jokes,playing off each others humor which I am sure we were the only two people who would get it. I am sure going to miss him,he truly was the one doctor I looked forward to seeing.
Sincerely
Ryan Firoved
I just learned today of Dr. Lehrer’s passing. I have been seeing him for years (12-13?) and loved the quality of his exams. He had a great sense of humor and seemed to love people, was always cheerful and kind. I have been reading the other entries and I agree with them all.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Teresa Lutterman
I just called to make my families annual appointments and learned of Dr. Lehrer’s passing. I have seen him since he prescribed my first pair of glasses in 1977 at Group Health. He then became my families eye doctor. We will miss him.
Sincerely,
Denise Anderson & family
Gila,
I happened to look through the ICO alumni magazine and discovered Steve’s name in the obituary announcements (my father, who is an alumni, also died this past year). I was shocked and taken-back by this discovery. I’ve always dreamed of my wife (Michele) and I someday traveling your way to visit – but our Almighty had other plans. I didn’t make many very good friends while at ICO – I always “walked my own walk” like Steve. This is why I came close to Steve while at school – Steve was always Steve and never tried to be anyone else. Because of that he was unique person. My thoughts have always been with you two for the past 31 years and will remain that way.
– Joe Pederzolli ICO class of 1979
Dear Ms. Lehrer and family,
Dr. Stephen Lehrer was the best Optometrist I had ever met. He was kind, the best, and took pride in his family and work. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to have had him as my doctor for eye care, as no other Optometrist has ever come close to the perfection of Dr. Lehrer.
It has been so long and I am just now reading about Dr Lehrer. He was an amazing doctor to work for. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful, I had the opportunity to work for him and Gila in Bellevue.