Posted by RobM on December 31, 2003 at 09:36:43:
Mr. Lewis Vest
01/22/29 - 12/28/03
Faithful Husband
Loving Father
Cherished Friend
Dependable Employee
Honorable in Every Dealing
Loyal to Every Cause
Dedicated Fisherman
Greatly Respected Man
Lewis Vest’s way of living resulted in a life of impeccable reputation. The character qualities he processed have been legendary for many years. Lewis had a unique capacity to be determined while being reserved and private and always striving to do what was right -- never desiring to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Even in his final days, Lewis was not seemingly concerned about the circumstances he faced; however he was worried about little details of the fishing club that meant so much to him. To him, it was a combination of the little things made the bigger picture what it needed to be. To that regard, Lewis was responsible for countless acts of selflessness that made a positive impact on every life he touched. While he sometime fretted about the little things he never openly complained and was patient that in the end all things would work out for the best.
We will never understand why bad things sometime happen to good people. As witnessed by so many, Lewis never smoked, never tasted alcohol, never cursed, never spoke badly of another person and lived a life that would make any Christian proud. Lewis had confirmed his faith in God and the peace that was obvious even in his critical condition was typical of his life… gracefully accepting that everything would work out just the way it was supposed to be.
On Friday night December 26th I held his hand and said to Lewis, I love you... and he responded with his frail and final words to me – “I love you too”. When he took his final breath on Sunday morning, I have confidence that the angels that protected him through so much here on earth escorted him into heaven where many of his family and friends which preceded him welcomed him home.
I am a better person because of Lewis Vest. His influence on me and countless others has been significant and I will value as treasured moments all the time I ever spent with him – time with a dear friend that I will cherish until the day that I am able to see him again.
Rob McClure