JAMES PALMER LEWIS

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JAMES PALMER LEWIS April 29, 1918 - October 13, 2003 James Palmer Lewis passed away October 13, 2003 at the Morris General Hospital at the age of 85 years. He is survived by his brother Clarke; sisters-in-law, Betty Lou March and Lorna Lewis; five nephews, Kim and wife Jo-Ann Lewis and their son Michael, Brock and wife Lori Lewis and their children, Owen and Kaela, Pat and wife Waltra Lewis and their sons, Sam and Tom, Tim Lewis and Barry Lewis; niece Lori and husband Bruce Lamont; and an aunt Alberta Lewis. Jim was predeceased by his parents Tom and Vera Lewis; stepmother Bertha Lewis; two sisters June and Kathleen and two brothers, Jerry and Owen. Jim was born on April 29, 1918 and was raised and educated in Morris. When duty called during the Second World War he joined the Canadian Army in 1940, switching to the Air Force in 1943. Upon returning from overseas he finished his education and enrolled in architecture at the University of Manitoba. His 1950 thesis, "A Study of Forces Influencing the Design of a House for the southern Manitoba Region", was a departure from standard thesis of the time and helped launch a career of designing buildings to cope with the harsh cold and glaring heat of the Canadian prairies. In 1954 Jim studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, the groundbreaking American architect, at his design schools "Taliesin" in Wisconsin and "Taliesin West" in Arizona. Steeped in Mr. Wrights philosophy of organic architecture, which spurned Victorian excess in favour of practical human-oriented and environmentally sensitive design, Jim designed houses from Pennsylvania to British Columbia, as well as many public buildings. Jim lived in Winnipeg practicing architecture as an employee, a partner, and out of his own office for many years. He taught architecture at the University of Manitoba for nearly 20 years. After his retirement he moved back to Morris where he designed and built his own home. He was a Past President of the Morris Branch No. 111 of the Royal Canadian Legion and was a life member, had been an avid golfer and cross country skier, sang in the United Church choir, and was interested in gardening, travel, guitar and many cultural events. The family would like to thank Dr. Manness and the nursing staff at the Morris General Hospital for their help and kindness during Jims stay. If friends so desire, donations can be made in Jims memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, or the Morris United Church Memorial Fund. Cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be held at the Morris United Church on Saturday, October 18 at 11:30 a.m. Interment in the Morris Cemetery with a reception to follow at the church. Morris Funeral Home 746-2451 Toll Free 1-866-746-2451

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 2003