Norman A. Lewis ’67
Norman Lewis, 78, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away on November 30, 2022 at his home. Norman was born on November 4, 1944 in Portland, ME to Reginald and Laurette (Archambault) Lewis. He attended Old Orchard Beach Schools and graduated from OOB in 1963. Following graduation, Norman attended Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in 1967. He was quickly hired by the Texaco Oil Company and was also commissioned in the United States Navy, being honorably discharged in 1971.
Norman spent 29 years as a Merchant Marine working for Texaco. He worked during the Gulf War readying the engines of ships that would carry troops and supplies to the Persian Gulf. Norman finally retired as Chief Engineer. Norman sailed all over the world and shared stories from places like Singapore, India, Alaska and the Panama Canal. He was well respected by his peers as a top-notch engineer.
Norman grew up in a very large French-Canadian family. His family was known for large family gatherings on Lewis Ave in OOB. This tradition was ingrained in Norman as he carried this on to his own family. Norman loved it when his home was full of family and friends. He always put family first. Whenever he was traveling with family on vacation, he would be sure to include his mother and her sisters, Gertrude Bertrand and Rhea Gregoire. After the passing of his father, Norman took care of his mother and she lived with him and his family for 10 years before purchasing a house for her.
Norman met his wife, Sandra, in the Marine Offices on Texaco Island in Port Arthur, TX. They were married on Halloween in 1972 and he often joked: “We went trick or treating at the preacher’s house!” Norman and Sandra celebrated 50 years of marriage in October. He would always tell Sandra, “I loved you the first time I saw you.”
Norman had a larger-than-life personality. He loved telling jokes and pulling pranks. Norman was a huge sports fan. He loved the Boston Red Sox and attending local high school sporting events. Norman especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play baseball, basketball and football. He was forever proud of his family. Some of his fondest memories were his trips to Disney World with his children and grandchildren, trips to Texas to visit his wife’s family and his daughter Susan, trips to North Carolina to visit his son and trips to the Virginia Military Institute while his son was in college. Norman was a very generous person who was always willing to help others.
Norman loved his family dearly. They meant the world to him. He loved having everyone together. He especially enjoyed summers in OOB when all his children and grandchildren would be together. He would always walk to the Candy Store with an open wallet to buy candy and ice cream and would enjoy the fireworks with his grandchildren.
Norman’s daughter, Kathy and son in law Tim lived nearby in OOB and were a constant source of help, especially over the last 6 years as he battled cancer. The family would also like to acknowledge lifelong family friend David Ward and his wife Debbie for their love for Norman and for their help and support.
Norman is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra Lewis; son Josh Lewis of Holly Springs, NC; daughter Kathy Strohm and husband Tim of OOB; daughter Susan Cooper and husband Ronnie of Montgomery, TX; grandchildren Victoria Cooper, Jimmy Strohm, Cameron Cooper, Maggie Strohm, Cole Lewis and Miles Lewis; and cousins Lucille Lagueux, Susan Tourigny (Bruce), Prudence Turnamian (Mark), Pam Lewis Cantor (Howard), Paul Lewis (Diana), and David Lewis (Joyce).
A family service will be held at a later date.
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