Joseph R (Hector) Lewis

Joseph R (Hector) Lewis, W.O. (Retired)

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Hector on April 14, 2024, at Northside General Hospital with his family present after 11 days following a fall at home.

Born August 19, 1931, to the late Harry and Maude (Hinks) Lewis, Hec enlisted in the Royal Canadian Regiment in March 1956 at the age of 24 and served for 25 and a half years. He was honorably discharged on August 19, 1981, in the capacity of Warrant Officer. He served in Canada and Germany, and he served in special duty service in Cyprus. He received the Canadian Decoration Medal, U.N Cyprus Medal, and Nato Medal. He was also commended for serving in Northwest Europe. While serving in Cyprus, he witnessed a young officer shot and killed. In 1970, during the FLQ crisis, Hec was one of the soldiers assigned to guard Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau at Meech Lake; the Prime Minister was dressed in shorts and a tee shirt for the jog while the soldiers guarding him wore full combat gear. It was noted that none of the young soldiers could keep up with the Prime Minister. Before retiring, Hec was an instruction officer at CFB Cornwallis N.S. 

He was a lifetime member of the Branch 19 Legion, holding numerous offices, including Service Officer and President. He received the Meritorious Service Medal. He will be missed by his sisters and comrades at Branch 19 Legion.

Well known for his carpentry skills, he was employed by the CB Exhibition Grounds in the construction of the George MacNeil building. Hec was also employed at Marine Atlantic with the Corps of Commissionaires.

Hec is survived by his wife, Eileen MacKinnon; his son Lloyd and Lloyd’s wife, Linda; his two grandchildren, Bryan (Sikhan) and Brea (Nick); as well as his two great-grandchildren, Max and Ren. Hec is also survived by his step-grandchildren Lindsay (Tyler), Emma, Abby, Landon, Ava, and Joseph, Eileen’s daughter Sheila. Sisters Bernice Sampson and Sadie Joyes, brother-in-law Bob Standing, numerous nieces and nephews, and Eileen’s nieces and nephews who were also family to him.

Hec is predeceased by his first wife, Floss O’Connell, and brothers Jim, Bill, Stan, George, and Dan as well Harry and Claude in infancy. Sisters Floss, Mary, Margaret, Hazel, Joyce and Shirley.

There will be a graveside interment at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at St. Mary’s Cemetery Shore Road, with Branch 19 Legion in attendance. A reception will follow at Branch 19—everyone is welcome to attend.

Memorial donations to a local food bank or charity of your choice are appreciated. 

PRO PATRIA