Our treasured husband, father, family patriarch, son, papa and friend, Rik Lewis, passed away peacefully through the veil while in the arms of his eternal companion, beloved children and mother in the early hours of his 63rd birthday on September 14th, 2014. It would not be unlike him to leave this world on the same day he entered it.... his life, tied up in a perfect little box, leaving his family another reason to celebrate. He fought a valiant battle with cancer and won the victory of ascending to a more Celestial home, where he was undoubtedly welcomed by his Fathers, who were prepared to receive him.
Rik was born in Logan, Utah to Jed Neal Lewis and Patricia Bateson. He grew up in Ogden and Salt Lake City and graduated in 1969 from Skyline High School, where he met his sweetheart and true love, Wendy Lee Vail. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on March 26th 1971. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1973 with a Bachelor ºs degree in Political Science where he enjoyed politics. He served in the National Guard and also as a Police officer working undercover for the Salt Lake City Police Department. Later on he became involved in Global Logistics and Transportation for the last 20 years and was able to work with his son on numerous occasions. Growing up, Saturday mornings were brought to life early through the smell of pancakes and Rik jamming out to anything from The Doors to The Phantom of the Opera, Jane ºs Addiction, and Its A Beautiful Day. Let ºs not forget Metallica and Kate Bush. This influenced the family ºs passion for music. The speakers would be blaring waking the kids from a gentle sleep.
He had an affinity to collecting quirky items which included coats, boots, cookbooks, watches, bracelets, sun glasses and even crocs. (The brightest pair of orange crocs, which no one had an appreciation for, will be given away............anyone? Anyone?) Rik loved being outdoors and that included skiing, camping, boating and riding his Harley! His Harley was his pride and joy and he loved to share that with his family. He went on many motorcycle trips with his wife and friends. But also included his children on fun rides. He was given a second chance at life when he survived a tragic motorcycle accident without wearing a helmet, where he was able to share his near-death experience with many others.
Rik ºs devotion lay in his lovely wife and his four beautiful children. He led his family with a pure heart in love and righteousness. Through his faith and actions, he brought many blessings to them and others. His compassion and forgiveness was a lesson he continued to teach throughout his life. He had such strong convictions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many different capacities. He loved being able to teach the Gospel and was willing to have a conversation about his beliefs to anyone who welcomed it. Rik always saw the good in those with whom he came in contact. He emboldened his children to love God, to defend their freedom when necessary, and inspired them to stand alone if needed, in the name of religion and truth.
Rik was preceeded in death by his fathers, Jed Lewis and Ron Burton. He is survived by his loving wife, Wendy, amazing children Brandon (Brandi), Shannin (Russell), Bree (Jimi), Raina (Lee) and his sixteen beautiful grandchildren-Quinn, Sebastian, Atticus, Bjorn, twins Briseis and Aurora, Dax, Scarlett, Aidan, Adrien, London, Coltrane, Ethan, Gage, Andrew, and Kade; Mother, Patricia Burton (Glenn Brewer), brothers Gus (Michelle), Kevin (Becky), Drew (Corri), sister, Barb (Jim) and countless, wonderful friends.
Please join us in celebrating his life with a viewing held Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy.
A viewing will also be held Friday, September 19th from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Cottonwood Acres Ward, 981 Revere Circle, SLC, 84117, followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
Contributions/donations can be made on behalf of Rik Lewis thru America First Credit Union to the Rik Lewis Memorial Fund. Please call 1-800-999-3961.
