September 14, 1916 - December 16, 2010
Lewis Angelo, former Camas Director of Public Works, passed away
peacefully with his family at his side in the home he built in 1948. He was 94 years of age. Born on September 14, 1916 in Cape Horn, Washington to Sam and Julia Angelo, he attended Washougal High School, then Washington State University and Oregon State University pursuing civil engineering.
Lewis began his engineering career working for the Alcoa Aluminum Company in Vancouver, and then in Modesto, California where he was the field work supervisor for the new Alcoa Plant. Rather than be transferred to Pittsburgh, Lewis returned home to Vancouver and began working for the Kaiser Shipyards as an engineer. During this time, as a private surveyor, he did the layout for the Portland Meadows Race Track. Later Lewis worked for the Department of the Interior surveying and laying the power lines for the Bonneville Dam Power Plant. In July, 1946, he took the job of engineer for the city of Camas. Soon after, he was promoted to Director of Public Works, a position he held until he retired 36years later in 1982.
"Louie," as he was called in Camas, was known for his dedication and commitment to his work. His tireless efforts upgrading the quality of the water system, adding new sewage treatment plants, upgrading the streets and providing parks and recreational facilities for the city were all recognized and appreciated throughout the years. Upon his retirement fellow workers described him as an outstanding leader, professional, straight forward and tough, one who demanded excellence of his employees who were proud to have worked with him. They acknowledged his enthusiasm for learning and implementing new ideas to improve the city's public works - a true, loyal, public servant who "put Camas on the map".
"Louie's" professional expertise, accomplishments and years of dedicated service earned him the Camas Citizen Award for Outstanding Service, recognition from the Chamber of Commerce and the State of Washington Distinguished Citizen Award. The honor for which he was most proud was that of a new Camas water pump station named The Lewis Angelo Water Pumping Station. It was dedicated in Oct. 2001. He was also awarded lifetime membership in the American Water Works Association.
After retirement, Lou continued his love of good, honest, work and responsibility as a personal property manager and became the best all time "fix-it" grandpa and friend. His flourishing garden became his pride and joy, and family and friends benefited from the fruits of his labor. Lou loved music, especially the big band sounds. He was also an avid ballroom dancer. He grew up with music and dancing at the Old Cape Horn School House Family Dances and until recently he and his wife danced weekly at the Vancouver Elks Club where he was a lifetime member.
Lou is survived by his wife, Frances, and would have been married 70 years in February, 2011. Other survivors are his 4 children, Lorrie (Dr. Morris) Horning of Anchorage, Alaska, Robert (Ann) Angelo of Washougal, Dr. Richard Angelo (Marguerite) of Seattle, Debbie (Paul) Anderson of Camas, Washington and his brother, Ted Angelo (Mary Jane) of Vancouver; 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grand children, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Bailey and brother, Albert C. Angelo, Sr.
The viewing will take place at the Vancouver Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, December 21, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 5 p.m.. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 400 S. Andresen Road. A reception will follow the service. Burial will be at the Camas Cemetery, N.E. Oak Street between 19th and 22nd Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Camas Community Chest, P.O Box 960, Camas, WA. 98607, or the Camas Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1055, Camas, WA. 98607.
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