Steven Orson Lewis

Steven Orson Lewis was born in Salt Lake City on a record-breaking, snow-storm day after his mom traveled by sled to the hospital. The weather drama surrounding his birth is a fitting symbol of the hard work ethic, passion, and tenacity that he honed and used when met with life's adversities. He traveled through his health storms with grace, humor and determination much like he faced all of his challenges. After milking cows on the family farm in Hunter, Utah, Steve studied at Westminster College and then pursued graduate work at the U of U in architecture before being summoned to run the family business - Lewis Bros. Stages. He started and ran a series of businesses related to passenger transit ending with the passenger shuttle service in Bryce Canyon National Park. At heart, Steve was both spiritual and creative. He loved writing, painting and enjoying nature with family and friends. His favorite places to relax and explore were the beloved family cabin in the Uintah Mountains and the deserts of Southern Utah. His international travels took him cycling through Europe including the Ionian coast of Greece, kayaking the Li River in China and service work and safaris in Kenya. More recently, Steve and his wife, Deborah, embraced the desert charm of Arizona where Steve underwent a double lung transplant for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Steve will always be cherished for the gentle way he related to people in his life. He always seemed to make time to listen and offer wise counsel. His desire to be present and attentive to others' needs would often make him late for his next commitment. Like the time he almost missed his flight for a one-day business meeting and, in his haste, mistakenly left the engine running in his car in the airport parking lot. Already missing those loving, soulful blue eyes are his wife of 31 years, Deborah, son Owen (Lisa) and daughters Emily (Luke), Alison, Stephanie (Clifford), sisters (Diana and Tina) and their families and nephew Matt -- who was like another son to Steve - and his family. Also missing "Papa" are grandchildren Fiona, Jack, Lyra, Blake and Ella Jo. To thank the multitude of medical professionals who were involved with Steve's care over the years would take a separate page. There were many -- you know who you are -- and words cannot express my extreme and forever thanks and gratitude. In lieu of flowers Steve would urge everyone to be listed as donors and to be sure and register to vote - and vote! He might also request donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. A "Celebration of Life" gathering will be held February 21st from 2 to 4 p.m. at Park City Community Church in Park City, Utah. Pictures and memories of Steve can be shared on the www.SamaritanFuneralHome.com website. Your gentle and generous spirit will be in our hearts always… and as Steve ended every Christmas letter for over 30 years… God Bless Us Everyone! ***********