My dad had a big life here in Plumas County, but he also had a very big life before he arrived. Born in British Columbia in 1928, he came to the United States as a child and was very proud of being naturalized.
He grew up in Monterey, Ca. with five siblings and is survived by two, Gloria and Dick. In addition to all the shenanigans he got into with his brother Kenny, he became an avid sailor and owned many boats. My dad Gordon also had a variety of now “classic” cars and motorcycles. He often reminisced about working in a hardware store.
In 1945 at age 15, Gordon joined the Merchant Marines and the Army Air Corps at sixteen. He met his wife Norma at the soda fountain. They married in 1952 and had two children, Dan and Julie. Family vacations included a cabin in Mariposa, Big Sur camping trips and cross country road excursions.
Dad had a variety of jobs. I remember he managed the Palo Corona (Fish) Ranch where he met Princess Margaret. Gordon was also a fire captain in Monterey for 27 years. Coming to the aid of others was a role he embraced throughout his life. As a fire captain, he was injured in a cannery fire, sending him into early retirement. This landed him in Quincy and the next chapter of his life. I feel this was when Gordy let his hair down and grow.
Gordon purchased the Feather River Motel, one of his many projects. He soon traded up for the “old” Victorian house on Main Street and remained there until his death. Gordon worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Quincy for ten years and invested in numerous real estate projects, including Chilcoot (Beckwourth Pass), the shop on Main Street with his son, the old Orr house, and property on Lawrence Street where he happily drove his tractor. He lost a small house in Paradise in the Camp fire where he and my mom often got out of the winter snow.
Dad was always busy. He managed and remodeled numerous houses and still found time to learn to fly airplanes. He and Mom farmed alfalfa by the airport. Dad also took good care of her horse.
In later years, Gordon had to stop driving but got a red scooter and became a regular around town giving biscuits to the dogs. Family dogs included Sophie and Bob, among others. He frequented Morning Thunder, the hardware store, the grocery store, the drug store, the brewery, Top of the Hill, Mill Creek, and all the bakeries. Dad was unstoppable on wheels and practically a local celebrity. He proudly wore his WWII or Army Air Corps hat.
Not everyone is as lucky as me to have had over sixty years with my parents. My family was always involved with each other. In the last five years, we lost my brother Dan and Mom. Gordon had the best attitude in life. He had the ability to shift gears and turn the page when necessary. He was an optimist, often against difficult odds. He shared his enthusiasm and generosity with many of us.
Also, stubborn and outspoken, Stanley Gordon Lewis was well-loved and respected. The man had more experience and years of practice than all of us. We can only hope to learn from his wisdom.
Gordon is survived by his brother Dick and sister Gloria, his daughter Julie, grandson Dayne and granddaughter Helen.
Miss you…
The Celebration of Life for Gordon will be held at Morning Thunder on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 11 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Information submitted by Julie Lewis
