BANGOR – Roger C. Lewis, 65, passed away May 25, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at home. Roger was born Sept. 30, 1946, in Milo, son of Russell and Evelyn (Messer) Lewis.
Roger’s dad died when he was 2 and Evelyn married Frank Bailey. Roger grew up on a dairy farm in LaGrange. He graduated from Old Town High School and served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. In 1969, he opened Westgate Service Center and then Budget Truck Rental, both in Bangor, and remained there for 43 years. Roger served on various committees that represented truck rental and service stations. In 1995, Gov. McKernan appointed Roger to serve on the regulatory board overseeing underground tank installers and he served three terms. Roger served on Penobscot Community Health Care Board from 1997 to 2010 and was chairman from 2004 to 2010. He did it with great pride as he watched PCHC grow to more than 600 employees. Roger loved hunting and fishing in the woods of Maine, and became a master Maine guide and certified first responder. He also enjoyed his tractor and cutting pine logs.
He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Paul Lewis. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Shelley; three sons, Perry Lewis of Eagle River, Alaska, Derek Lewis and wife, Leisl, of Eagle River, Alaska, and Jason Lewis and girlfriend, Amanda Klausing, of Bangor; eight grandchildren, Anescia, Gus, Ari, Maria, Hanna, Abel, Terrianna and Wyatt Roger; two brothers-in-law, who were like sons, Sean Ireland and wife, Julie, and children, Nicole and Meghan, and Keven Ireland and wife, Jennifer, and their children, Jacob, Zachary and Cassidy; two sisters, Rhonda Koucher and husband, Dale, and Sandra Bailey Bowen and husband, Mike; sister-in-law, Elaine Lewis; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Roger’s family thanks his longtime friend, Derrill Cowing, for all his support, as well as the many friends, caregivers and family who helped keep his spirits up during his illness. We will never forget all their generous spirit.
A celebration of Roger’s life will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at Bangor Motor Inn and Conference Center, 701 Hogan Road, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Penobscot Community Health Care, 103 Maine Ave., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at
www.laryfuneralhome.com.