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Remembering
Michael Gene Lewis
USDA Forest Service, Payette National Forest — Idaho
Classification: Career
Rank: Assistant Helitack Manager
Date of Death: August 13, 2006
Age: 37
How do you describe someone in 450
words who had such a passion for
life and lived his short life of 37 years
to the fullest? Here are a few things
that describe Mike: loving and
caring, happy, sincere, mischievous,
helpful, compassionate,
kind, full of wisdom, a natural
leader, a world traveler, a
deep water certified diver,
loved sports, smart, a gifted
writer, a teacher who loved
learning, a trusted friend,
loved by all who knew him.
Mike started working for
the forest service soon after
he graduated from high
school. He started on a fire
engine as a rookie and soon
was a manager of the engine
and then the station. His largest
contribution to the forest service
was his gifted ability as a teacher. His
teachings included formal fire-related
courses in classroom settings, as well as
hands on rappel training and helicopter-related
topics. His last position was as an assistant helicopter crew
supervisor stationed at Krassel, Idaho. He died in a helicopter
crash in the Payette National Forest. The people he
worked with loved and respected him. He was a humble
man, wanting praises for others, never for himself.
Possessions did not make Mike happy. The things that
did bring him joy, contentment and fulfillment were his
family and friends; he never knew a stranger. He was
always there for each and every one with a kind
word and encouragement, someone you
could talk to and trust. He never judged
others and, if asked to help out in any
type of job needing to be done,
work-related or personal, gave
himself 110%.
Mike had always been a leader
on this earth. I now envision
him waiting at heaven’s
gate, ahead of us to greet
all who grieve for him now
with a smile that lights up
heaven. As we cross over to
his side, we will feel his and
God’s loving embrace and a
huge welcome and hug that
we have been missing since
Mike entered God’s eternal
kingdom.
Mike had a framed print that he
loved and lived his life by. He would
be pleased to have this passed on to
those he leaves behind…
The Essence of a New Day….
“This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given
this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for
good. What you do today is important because you are
exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow
comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something
that you have left behind...let it be something good.”
In honor of those not here today, pass a kindness forward.