John:

There is not a day that I do not think about you.

Your mentoring has profoundly affected my goals in my life.

Thank you for your mentorship.

You made my life so much better.

Rest In Peace my dear friend.

John: Even though you may have physically left this earth several years ago, your spirit continues on unabated. I often think of you and how your influence on my career in broadcasting has flourished because of our friendship. So nice to see your kids continue to keep the candle lit in your memory. Your soul continues to fill our hearts and reinforce our souls.

Still think of John often. He was a true professional, totally dedicated to his craft. His imprint lives among all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. He will always be missed.

John used to enjoy getting together every so often with his co-workers, former co-workers and colleagues at the Buffalo Gap across from OPB. Perhaps we could all gather together at the Gap one final time to share and toast our friend John. If anyone is interested email me at
wayne@high-five.com to get the ball rolling and let's see what happens.

John and I worked together at OEPBS when we were doing "Snake pit" aka "Statehouse" in the mid 70's when I was a young pup. John was like a father to all of us. I have never worked again with such gentleman. Such a REAL broadcaster in the best way. Mainly however it was his ability to work with me and other to have good ethic and at the same time educate us in how to be a professional broadcaster, something that I still use 35 years later and pass on to others. John will be deeply missed by all.

John's son, Jeff and I were childhood best friends since we were practically born. Our families grew up together until we all moved out on our own. I've been in Southern California most of my adult life. I wasn't able to come up for the memorial, but I was up for a visit in the great NW a couple of months ago and had the great fortune of being able visit with John before he passed on. 

I hadn't seen him in what felt like to be 30 years. When I saw him, as you can imagine, he was a shadow of his former self. When I walked into his room, you could see his mind churning while he stared at me to try and figure out who I was. When I said my name, there was this dramatic pause and then "bam", a spark lit in him. It was a great moment, but then the John I remembered began to emerge. I got a flood of memories as all the "John-isms" came to the surface. His enthusiasm and his excitement were delivered in his professional yet personal way that was trademark John Lewis. 

In the end, I was grateful to God for giving me this chance to catch up and connect with John once again, for I knew that this would most likely be the last time. It was a great time and I will remember it fondly.

The Lewis family had been more than friends, they were like, well.....family. They have and always will have a special place in my heart. Thank you John for letting us in and be a part of your family. And thank you for letting me see you once again. God bless you Mr. Lewis. Be at peace.

As many have said here already -- John was an enthusiastic teacher and mentor. I enjoyed the classes he taught at PCC and I still use the lessons I learned in my workday, everyday.

I co-produced and directed the News Central telecasts with John
as the weatherman. That was back in the 70's. Also directed Jonn
on many of the commercials he did. Also, John and our buddies, went
pheasant hunting many times. John was a real professional...who was
fun to be around. As a Ukrainian...(as you might know)...we're not very
fond of Russians....John whoe spoke Russian expertly...gave me many
phrases to slam the Russki's. It was great knowing and working with him.

I had known that John was in ill health for some time -- yet, I was sad to hear the news. John was not only a colleague for many years, but a true and trusted friend. We had many, many shows, memories and good times together during our collaborations at Oregon Public Broadcasting. He was a mentor to many, many beginners and old hands alike. Always upbeat, always positive and most of all, always professional and practicing the highest standards of broadcast journalism. In short, he was an inspiration to me and made me feel that my and our work somehow mattered. John -- you made a difference and inspired everyone to do their best by your own example of caring and integrity.

I shall miss you, but I shall also remember you and am proud of you.

Richard Hammerstrom

John was directly responsible for helping me break into the broadcasting business. After cutting my teeth working at KPIC TV in Roseburg for about a year, John called all four news directors at all four Portland TV stations asking they grant me an interview. Shortly thereafter I was hired by Ted Bryant, who was the news director at KOIN TV, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Over the past 20 years I enjoyed taking John out to lunch on occasion until his health wouldn't allow it anymore.

He had the most golden voice I've ever experienced in broadcasting; what a pro. Plus a good friend and mentor. The world is a better place for having John's footprints cast upon it.

John was a very dear friend of mine as a teacher and mentor in my broadcasting career.

I will miss him very much and will remember all of the advice that he told me over all of those years.

Rest in Peace, John. You will be missed.