It is with great sadness we share that Myron Eugene Lewis of Orcas Island and Kirkland, passed away on July 30th, 2021 in Kirkland, Washington at the age of 87.

Myron, or Ron to most, was born in Denver, Colorado, the youngest of two boys, an inquisitive, outgoing, sometimes mischievous, little curly haired boy with an infectious laugh and twinkle in his eye, who was always up for an adventure. His father was in the construction industry and the family moved frequently when the boys were young, spending time in Corpus Christi & Houston, Texas before eventually settling in the Wedgewood neighborhood of Seattle where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951.

Outdoors was where he thrived, spending his free time exploring the majestic Cascade wilderness and fishing the high mountain lakes and streams with a four-legged companion by his side. He had a deep appreciation for nature and enjoyed the peace and tranquility that the backcountry offers.

He attended the University of Washington and was a member of the Tao Sigma Delta and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Societies where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He married his college sweetheart, Marlene, in 1956 and shortly thereafter the newlyweds embarked on a new adventure: driving across the country to Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he was a commissioned officer with the Army Corps of Engineers.

After returning to the Pacific Northwest with their new baby in tow, they settled in Kirkland. Marlene still resides in the house that he designed, affectionately named “The Tree House” by his children. Ron joined an architectural firm in Bellevue that eventually became Ridenour, Cochran and Lewis. He is known for designing Northwest homes and buildings that blend into the natural environment, have minimal impact on a site and leave as much of the native vegetation as possible and for using natural light via windows and skylights for interior spaces. Through the span of his career, the firm became Lewis Architects and was well known not only for residential design, but also for their many civic projects including libraries, city halls and fire stations. In addition to his career in architecture he served for nearly a decade as an Army Reservist.

After retiring, Ron was never idle. He became interim director of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, President of the Kirkland Sister City program with Emmerich, Germany, involved with the Kirkland Historical Society, along with countless volunteer hours with the Kirkland Downtown Association, Arts Center and Chamber of Commerce. He and Marlene were regulars at Triple J’s, Kahili Coffee, Rococo’s and Hector’s in downtown Kirkland where they made many lifelong friends. He could often be seen walking in Kirkland, visiting the people and businesses that meant so much to him.

Always creative, he spent many happy hours in his workshop, designing and constructing hundreds of wooden toy vehicles, miniature buildings and intricate ornaments. He took much joy in gifting these signature creations to family and friends and donating them to numerous auctions and fundraisers.

Marlene and Ron were blessed to have 64 wonderful years together doing what they loved… traveling the world, raising three children, backpacking, camping, bicycling, rock hounding, spending time with their four grandchildren and two great grandchildren, but most of all fishing! He was most content in his waders, casting a fly into the perfect riffle or hole and he always caught fish. They split their time between the family homes on Orcas Island and Kirkland.

Ron was known for his laughter, his teasing, and his kind & gentle nature. Although dementia became difficult in his last five years, he worked hard to keep in touch with his friends. He was devoted to his family above all else and left this world with the love of his family and many friends and colleagues that will miss him dearly.

He is survived by spouse Marlene; children Craig (Sue), Cheryl and Cinda; grandchildren Kyle (Jamie), Derek, Jessica (Taysan) and Devin; and great grandchildren Coco and Rory; his many beloved cousins in California; and golden retriever Nutmeg.

Papa, may you always have a fish at the end of your line…..

Due to Covid, the family must delay his Celebration of Life. Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Northwest Harvest.