Robert Thomson Lewis

A WWII Army Air Corp Veteran, Bob always said he fought the battle of Bakersfield.

Bob had a true entrepreneurial spirit and was very much an innovator in his field and his many business endeavors. He would tell you that he was simply a “Land Surveyor” and was very proud of his profession. Bob and his father, R.B. Lewis, also a Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer, started the original Lewis & Lewis in 1953 in Ventura as a Land Surveying company. In addition to Land Surveying, Bob was an offshore surveyor and navigator, building companies that worked on a global scale. He was the first to start and build a company that would rent electronic distance measuring instruments to other land surveyors that grew into a national full service surveying equipment and supplies retail business that exists to this day. Bob started and built one of the largest Hewlett-Packard computer products dealers in the country. He was a competitive race horse owner, trailer park owner and one of his true favorites, Ventura County lemon rancher. As well as, many other business adventures.

Regardless of his success, Bob never wavered from his conservative and common sense approach to life. Always in his work boots and familiar yellow or brown jacket and driving his basic 1999 GMC pick-up, he consistently lived life with a sense of humor, professionalism, and respect for others.

Bob was an honest, tough-minded, hardworking businessman and he was also a very helpful and giving person. The Ventura Avenue was a passion of his for many years, working with organizations such as the Ventura Police Activities League. Bob donated much to improve life on the Avenue.

He was a Little League coach, Junior Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club member. His honesty and integrity was always a big part of his business and personal life.

Bob was preceded in death by his Father, Reuel B. Lewis; Mother, Anna Jean Lewis; brother, Wm. Leachman Lewis; and son-in-law, Rick Grunewald.

Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his loving and patient wife of 66 years, Maxine; daughter, Kathy Grunewald; her daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and John Chinnery, and Anna and Danny Belitski; son, Tom Lewis; his wife, Jan; and their daughters, Cory and husband Ryan Cardone, Emily, and Maddy; daughter, Terri Rose; her husband, Ted; their daughter, Jessica; and son, Jake. Bob had three great grandsons, James Chinnery, Dylan, and Drayden Belitski.

The Famiy would like extend a special thank you to his caregivers from Assisted Caregiver Services, Marissa, Claudia, Maria, Marivic, Shannon, Sylvia, and others.

Respecting Bob’s wishes, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. The family is considering other options on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.