Gail A. Lewis, 82
Gail A. Lewis left his earthly home to be with Jesus on May 14, 2021.
Gail was born in Missoula on Aug. 28, 1938, to Cecil and Viola Lewis. He joined older brother Lear. Cecil worked construction so Gail’s early years were spent moving from place to place. They settled in Rollins where Gail went to grade school at the Rollins schoolhouse. Gail attended and graduated Polson High School and was a proud Polson Pirate.
Gail enrolled in Montana State College where he earned a letter in wrestling as well as a degree in mathematics with a minor in physics. Gail’s first teaching job was in Fort Greely, Alaska, where he had many adventures and met his first love, Sylvia Hendrickson. Gail and Sylvia were married in June of 1965 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Lake Stevens, Washington. They moved to Hamilton, Montana, where Gail taught at Westview Junior High and was vice principal. He coached wrestling and, in 1972, led the Hamilton Broncs to a second place state title. Gail became a father in 1970 to Marlin. Amber and Kipp soon followed. Gail retired from teaching in 1988 and tried his hand at real estate, as well as became a part of a sought-after cabinet making team. In 2007 Sylvia passed away. As God always has a plan, Gail met Peggy Weaver Kayser. In January 2009 Gail and Peggy were married. How lucky for Gail to have known such love in his life, not once but twice.
Gail loved to hunt, fish, golf, cheer on his Bobcats and follow grandchildren to events all over the state and Northwest.
Gail was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Viola, brother Lear, and wife Sylvia.
He leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Peggy Lewis; children, Marlin (Megan) Lewis, Amber (Lans) Richardson, and Kipp (Robyn) Lewis; and grandchildren, Addyson, Elaina, Ellyn, Annalise, Malyn and Cecile. He also leaves behind bonus children, Sarah (Will) Mahoney, Erik (Fran) Kayser, Matt Kayser, Annie Kayser and Scott (Mary) Kayser; and bonus grandchildren, Kai, Keifer, Mallory, Rory and Ione.
Gail’s memorial service will take place at Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton on Sunday, May 23, at 3 p.m., with a reception following. A celebration of life will take place on Gail’s birthday, Aug. 28, at Papa’s Lake.
Memorials can be made to Montana State Alumni Foundation; Faith Lutheran Church, Hamilton; The Rollins Schoolhouse (Women of Rollins, P.O. Box 186 Rollins, MT 59931) or a charity of your choice. Gail touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.
Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.