Basil Ross Lewis

Basil was known throughout his life as a man of humility, his open, caring, friendly nature drawing others to him. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Born on November 30, 1922 to Ruphina (MacDonald) Lewis and Robert Sidney Lewis in Edwardsville, Cape Breton, NS, Basil experienced the loss of his father at the young age of seven years. However, surrounded by the love of his large family, the challenges and deprivation of the Depression years were borne stoically.

Basil was the youngest in a family of fourteen children and was the last surviving member of his family. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters - Walter Harmon (Ann Rourke), Alexander Wellington (Lena), Roy MacDonald, Horatio Allan (Ann MacIssac), Elvira Lenore (Robert J. Cullen), Rita Kathleen, James Robert (Bert) (Gertrude Burke), Earl Burgoyne (Peggy MacMaster), Clyde Vivien (Mary (Molly) Rourke), Anna Dorothy (John E. Grace), Ruphina Ellen (James E. Lewis), Margaret Irene (Walter Lee) and Vincent Llewellyn (Winnifred Raftery).

After serving in the Air Force during World War 2, Basil returned home and married the love of his life, Theresa Alexandra Campbell, on August 9, 1950 at Holy Redeemer Church in Whitney Pier, Sydney, NS. While working for the Canadian National Railway until his retirement in 1986, Basil and Theresa raised four daughters: Jennifer (Adam Chmiel), Janice (Gordon Fougere), Denise (Eric Eagles) and Donalda (Hugh Dwyer). Basil and Theresa were blessed with ten grandchildren: Matthew, Michael and Carolyn Chmiel; David, Michelle and Caitlin Fougere; Alex and Christine Dwyer; and Sarah and Phillip Eagles. Their nine great-grandchildren were fortunate to have the opportunity to come to know their great-grandparents and loved them dearly. Those great-grandchildren, Emma and Brandon Chmiel, Forest Chmiel, Odesa and Slate Charter, Abigail and Aiden Fougere-Pepin and Lochlin and Arlo Eagles will forever treasure their love for and memories of their great-grandparents.

Basil had a strong work ethic but also enjoyed his life. He valued his time with extended family - visiting, watching hockey games, playing cards, and occasionally travelling to British Columbia, Ottawa, ON, Halifax and Windsor, NS, Newfoundland, and Florida.

Basil's faith was also important to him. He was a faithful member of St. Theresa Church in Ashby for 55 years and of Divine Infant Church in Orleans, ON for the last 8 years of his life.

Basil passed away at the Perley Health Center in Ottawa, ON on November 2, 2021. Visitation took place at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney, NS on November 9, 2021 with the Funeral Mass held at St. Theresa Church in Sydney the following day, officiated by Fr. Dennis Lamey. Basil was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, NS. Pallbearers were Alex Dwyer, David Fougere and Michelle Fougere-Pepin along with staff from TW Curry Parkview Chapel. Honorary pallbearers were Basil's sons-in-law - Adam Chmiel, Gordon Fougere, Hugh Dwyer and Eric Eagles.

Basil was loved by many, especially by his immediate family and friends. He will be greatly missed but forever remembered for his deeply caring nature, his kindness to others, and his sense of humour - often reflected in the twinkle in his eyes.

Eulogy

Basil Lewis

If my sisters, Janice, Donalda and Denise, and I had to choose one phrase to

describe the essence of our father, Basil Lewis, throughout his life, that

phrase would be “Love of Family”. Dad first experienced the love and

busyness of family life as the youngest of fourteen children growing up in the

depression…without a father, his father having passed away in 1929 when

dad was only seven years old.

Through those early years our dad learned what it meant to share and to be

hungry, to do without and yet have the richness of support and caring, not

only from his mother, brothers and sisters but also from the broader

community of Edwardsville. For in that community families helped each

other by sharing necessities such as tea and sugar, lending a kind, listening

ear, and providing helpful advice where needed. Edwardsville, with its

deprivation yet supportive and caring community, shaped my father in a way

no other part of his life did - except perhaps his years of military service.

As a member of the 39 Reconnaissance Wing, 2nd Tactical Air Force,

serving overseas, our dad was stationed in Bayeux, France; Belgium; Eindhoven,

Holland; and Germany. He was on Juno Beach on D Day 6, six days after

the allied landing at Juno Beach. During these war years he experienced

such suffering of others that it made him mindful to be gentle, kind and

considerate, reinforcing what he learned in his early childhood. In Europe,

and particularly in Eindhoven, Holland dad observed local men working for

free at military bases, wanting only to scrape the pots for the food remaining

after the service members had eaten so that they would have food to bring

home to their own families. Many of the servicemen, like dad, donated food

from their rations, and some of the staff handed loaves of bread out the

windows to these men. Dad saw many parts of Europe during his years

overseas. Yet he had no desire to return to these countries in peacetime. He

had so many stories he could have told of those days in Europe, yet so little

to say about those experiences of war. Like many, he preferred to keep the

horrors of those years to himself.

When our dad returned home, he met and married our mother, Theresa

Alexandra Campbell, and raised four daughters -Jennifer, Janice, Denise and

Donalda, while working at the Canadian National Railway, (the CNR). During

those years he passed on to his daughters all that he had learned from his

previous experiences. He maintained a sense of humour and a twinkle in his

eye - sharing corny jokes, reciting from memory Robert Service poetry,

ensuring we attended the circus when it was in town, and taking us

downtown on weekends, always stopping for a treat at the lunch counter at

Woolworths or the Metropolitan. We were sheltered and protected from the

harsh realities of life and grew up with a sense of security, and of being

valued and loved.

We also experienced first hand some of dad’s eccentricities. He had a very

particular, fussy way of doing things. During our supper time conversation,

dad would always make a point of checking information in the encyclopedia

to ensure the accuracy of our discussion and to broaden our depth of

knowledge. When painting our interior walls dad always used a brush

… which took forever, and we were always reminded to paint those

butts when painting the house shingles, prior to our getting aluminum siding,

which was a relief to all of us!

Dad was a meticulous man, especially when performing

home maintenance jobs, and in his nightly routine of checking the

basement, and touching each burner on the stove to ensure everything was

off and safe. Dad also knew where everything was in the house, particularly

in the basement, his domain in a house with five females! ! Our dad liked

things to be done in a certain way and definitely had his own routine.

Dad took great pride in his daughter’s accomplishments, large or small, and

always encouraged us to “get an education”, as he phrased it so that our

lives would not be as challenging as the life he had lived. We like to think we

fulfilled his dream for us.

Dad took great pride as we each graduated in our own fields, as we married

loving, caring, hard working men like our dad, and raised between us ten

children who were greatly loved by our dad and mum and who loved them in

return. Dad and mum’s family has now increased to include 9 much loved

great-grandchildren. This rapidly expanding loving family are strongly

connected to dad and to the woman who was dad’s true partner, best friend,

and the love of his life, our mother, Theresa.

Dad and mum did everything together. They shared common goals and

values, while building their lives together and raising their family. They made

all their decisions together, and they instilled in their children the same

feelings of loving and being loved, and respecting and being respected that

formed the basis of their lives.

Dad was always welcomed into the large family unit that was our mother’s

family. He and mum spent many happy hours visiting with our mother’s

sisters at one another’s houses, playing card games, watching the Saturday

night hockey games and always enjoying tea and a lunch during the evening

get togethers. In the summertime many happy hours were spent at

our beloved Mira, so generously shared with all of the family by Mary, Billy

and Bill Burke.

Dad also had many lively get togethers with his own sisters and brothers and

their spouses. Ruphina and Jamie and Peggy and Earl visited regularly

along with Dorothy, Lenore, Margaret and Vince, to name a few, when they

were in town. Much reminiscing would occur with each member of the group

adding either their own version of a particular childhood memory or building

on the other’s memory. There was plenty of laughter and friendly banter at

those gatherings. Dad truly loved all of his family with all of his heart.

When I look back, I believe that our dad’s life truly exemplifies a life well lived, a

life of quiet dignity and integrity, of happiness and of love. We love you dad

and are grateful for all that you did to provide us with the foundation upon

which our lives and the lives of our children are based. And now dad, we

wish you peace as you join mum, and take your final rest in the arms of

Jesus.

Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Basil Lewis, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, formerly of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Basil passed away on November 2nd, 2021 in Ottawa, ON., his home for the last eight years.

Basil was born on November 30, 1922, the son of the late Ruphina MacDonald and the late Robert Sidney Lewis. Basil grew up in Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, the youngest of a family of fourteen children. Basil had many happy memories of his life in Edwardsville, of which he spoke often. He served in the Air Force as a member of the 39 Reconnaissance Unit, 2nd Tactical Division, during World War 2 and travelled overseas throughout much of Europe. Upon returning home, Basil was employed by the Canadian National Railroad where he worked for most of his adult life in an office position.

In those early years after he returned from the war, Basil met and married the love of his life, Theresa Alexandra Campbell from Whitney Pier, NS, who predeceased him in 2018. Basil and Theresa shared many happy years together while raising their four daughters: Jennifer (Adam Chmiel), Janice (Gordon Fougere), Donalda (Hugh Dwyer) and Denise (Eric Eagles), all of whom survive him.

Basil is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Matthew, Michael and Carolyn (Chmiel), David, Michelle and Caitlin (Fougere), Alex and Christine (Dwyer) and Sarah and Phillip (Eagles). Also surviving are his nine great-grandchildren: Emma and Brandon Chmiel; Forest Chmiel; Odesa and Slate Charter (Fougere); Abigail and Aiden Fougere-Pepin; and Lochlin and Arlo Eagles. Basil also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Basil was the last surviving member of his family, having been predeceased by his eight brothers: Walter, Wellington, Roy, Allan, Bert, Earl, Clyde and Vincent; and his five sisters: Lenore, Kathleen, Dorothy, Ruphina, and Margaret.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the excellent care provided to Basil during the last months of his life by staff of the Rideau Veterans Residence of the Perley Health Community of Care Center.

Visitation for Basil Lewis will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Tuesday, November 9th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa Church on Wednesday, November 10th at 11:00 am., Father D. Lamey officiating, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions, proof of vaccination and masks will be required at the funeral home and at the church. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the funeral service will be hosted through the TW Curry Facebook Page and available for thirty days.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer Society, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com.

In Pretty Edwardsville

Written By: Robert Sidney Lewis, the father of Basil Lewis.

I’ve seen the sun in other climes

Resplendent at it’s rise

I’ve seen the pale moon’s silvery light

‘neath balmy southern skies

But the grandest I have looked upon

T’was seen from our hill

T’was sunrise on a summer morn

In pretty Edwardsville

That was a handsome picture

My eyes did gaze upon

The well kept homes and stately trees

And that golden risen sun

O’erhead the sky was cloudless

At my feet a rippling rill

That lent music to the silent air

In pretty Edwardsville

There was a mantle thrown

Upon the village fair

The dewdrops sparkled in the grass

Like millions of diamonds rare

I stared and marveled at the sight

Until my heart did fill

With honest pride of simple love

For pretty Edwardsville

The children play upon the road

As we did years ago

Their joyous shouts are just like ours

Their games I do not know

They are happy and contented

And I trust they shall until

The games are lost or honors won

In pretty Edwardsville

The place has changed, new homes are built

To keep up with the pace

Some folks have gone elsewhere to dwell

And some to their resting place

No matter where those dear ones are

The folks who live here still

Pay tribute to their memory

In pretty Edwardsville

My mind went back to childhood days

When we children used to flock

Upon the road to play at ball

Or duck upon the rock

The girls would sometimes join our games

And we’d battle well until

Children play now as we did then

In pretty Edwardsville

Now dears, I must conclude

And not without a cause

I believe I hear the reindeer bells

Heralding Santa Claus

You soon shall see his jolly face

Filled with bright cheer and good will

A merry Christmas to you all

In Pretty Edwardsville.

I Am Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free

To follow the path God made for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To love, to laugh, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

For I found peace at last, that day,

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembering joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened

with hearts of sorrow.

My wish for you

is the hope of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savoured much,

Good friends, good times,

a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time

seemed much too brief,

Don't lengthen it now

with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me,

God wants me now-

- - He's set me free.

Funeral Mass

St. Theresa Church

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Father Dennis Lamey Officiating

November 10, 2021

First Reading: From the Book of Ecclesiastes: (3:1-11)

Adam Chmiel

Second Reading: From the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians: (4:14 - 5:1)

Hugh Dwyer

Gospel Reading: Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes

Father Lamey

Prayers of the Faithful

Bill Burke

Music Provided by Patrick F. Moore

Secular Music (Prior to the start of the funeral mass.)

Home I'll Be

Out on the Mira

I Love Cape Breton and Me

We Rise Again

On Eagles Wings

Hallelujah

Music during Mass

Entrance: Amazing Grace

Offertory: Like A Shepherd

Communion: Be not Afraid

Reflection After Communion: Ave Maria

Service at the Casket: Songs of the Angels

Departure: How Great Thou Art

Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, NS

Expressions of Sympathy

(From handwritten cards)

Carolyn Chmiel and Emma Woodhouse

Thank you for all the love, patience and care you gave to grandpa over all these years. We all loved him dearly and will miss him very much. We'll think of and remember him and Nana over these holidays and for years to come.

Margaret Campbell Hoekelman

As you reunite your dear dad, Basil, with Aunt Theresa, loving thoughts and prayers accompany you. May you and yours welcome the peace you so richly deserve. Flowers

Derek Lee and Kid Lee

Sincere condolences to our cousins and family on the passing of our Uncle Basil, the last of the greatest generation in our family. He led his life always reflecting kindness and respect. Flowers

Mary Lenore Allen

My sincere sympathy. I know you will miss your father very much. Thank you for making the funeral service available online for those of us who were far away.

Danielle Durie

I am lucky to have known Basil. He was a great man and much loved. I'm thinking of you during this time of grief. Flowers

Carol and Joe Durie

So sorry for your loss, Jennifer and family. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers sent your way. It was an honour to have met Basil.

Joe and Patsy Ann (Keough) Ryba

Dear Jennifer, Janice, Denise and Donalda. Joe and I are very sorry that your dear father has passed away. What an exemplarily gentleman he was! We enjoyed meeting Basil and Theresa in the Co-op grocery store and having a little chat. He was always so friendly and personable. You were certainly blessed with wonderful parents. Take comfort in the exceptional care you provided them. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Donation to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Bob and Brenda Keightly

We were so sorry to hear of Basil's passing. We always looked forward to seeing him and having a chat with him after Mass. The pandemic and his health had prevented that for almost the last two years but he remained in our thoughts as he does now. We will miss him, and we can only imagine how he is missed by you and the rest of his family. Please accept our deepest condolences. I have prayed for Basil. Prayers, Brenda.

Liz and Dave Morrison and Family

So sorry for your loss.

Ron Hanrahan

To The Lewis Family, With Deepest Sympathy. Donation to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.

Imelda MacDonald

Sincere Sympathy! Mass Card

Carol Seaby

I was so lucky to have met your Dad and have enjoyed listening to stories about him from Matthew and your Grandkids. I am sorry for your loss.

Brian and Lyette McKay

Our sincere condolences. May sorrow quickly turn to fond memories.

Guy and Barbara Savard

With Sympathy! Mass Card

Donna and Alf Dinaut

What a wonderful life! What a wonderful person! I have many fond memories of your Dad through the years especially on my many visits to Cabot Street growing up and thereafter. I always admired his general knowledge and sharp wit. Most of all I loved his sense of humour and zest for life. How lucky were all of you to be blessed with him as your father. I know he was well loved and will be missed. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. Thinking of you in sympathy and caring.

Lucy Wos-Chmiel and Family

With deepest sympathy!

Mig and Ian Powell

Dear Jennifer, Adam and family. We were so very sorry to learn of Basil's passing.... He was so fortunate to be able to enjoy a family environment and love for those years. We know how much you will all miss him and our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

Jennifer and James McNaught

No matter how old we are, losing a parent leaves a hole. May your memories comfort you in the dark times. Flowers.

The Divine Infant Bereavement Team

You are in our prayers as you approach the first Christmas without your dear father. No doubt Christmas will be bittersweet with tears and yes, some joy. Know that you are not alone. The entire parish community is praying for you. May the Lord grant you health, peace and strength.

The Staff of TW Curry Parkview Chapel

Remembering a loved one at Christmas can be challenging, sometimes it's like a Tsunami, you can see it coming, but unsure how to proceed. We encourage you to make time to navigate the waves of grief, through new traditions while honouring the old ones, lighting candles, or sharing your loved one's recipes. We wish to extend our most heartfelt understanding and acknowledge that this holiday season will be different. Please remember you are not alone.

Bill Burke

Mass Card

Red Roses

Coleen and Gerard MacKenzie

Mass Card

Tony and Louise Tierney

Mass Card

Marc and Maria Buczek

Flowers

The Daughters and Spouses

Flowers

The Grandchildren

Flowers

The Great Grandchildren

Flowers

* * * * * * * * * *

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Basil Lewis, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, formerly of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Basil passed away on November 2nd, 2021 in Ottawa, ON., his home for the last eight years.

Basil was born on November 30, 1922, the son of the late Ruphina MacDonald and the late Sydney Robert Lewis. Basil grew up in Edwardsville, Nova Scotia, the youngest of a family of fourteen children. Basil had many happy memories of his life in Edwardsville, of which he spoke often. He served in the Air Force as a member of the 39 Reconnaissance Unit, 2nd Tactical Division, during World War 2 and travelled overseas throughout much of Europe. Upon returning home, Basil was employed by the Canadian National Railroad where he worked for most of his adult life in an office position.

In those early years after he returned from the war, Basil met and married the love of his life, Theresa Alexandra Campbell from Whitney Pier, NS, who predeceased him in 2018. Basil and Theresa shared many happy years together while raising their four daughters: Jennifer (Adam Chmiel), Janice (Gordon Fougere), Donalda (Hugh Dwyer) and Denise (Eric Eagles), all of whom survive him.

Basil is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Matthew, Michael and Carolyn (Chmiel), David, Michelle and Caitlin (Fougere), Alex and Christine (Dwyer) and Sarah and Phillip (Eagles). Also surviving are his nine great-grandchildren: Emma and Brandon Chmiel; Forest Chmiel; Odesa and Slate Charter (Fougere); Abigail and Aiden Fougere-Pepin; and Lochlin and Arlo Eagles. Basil also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Basil was the last surviving member of his family, having been predeceased by his eight brothers: Walter, Wellington, Roy, Allan, Bert, Earl, Clyde and Vincent; and his five sisters: Lenore, Kathleen, Dorothy, Ruphina, and Margaret.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the excellent care provided to Basil during the last months of his life by staff of the Rideau Veterans Residence of the Perley Health Community of Care Center.

Visitation for Basil Lewis will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Tuesday, November 9th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa Church on Wednesday, November 10th at 11:00 am., Father D. Lamey officiating, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions, proof of vaccination and masks will be required at the funeral home and at the church. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the funeral service will be hosted through the TW Curry Facebook Page and available for thirty days.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer Society, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com.