Kenneth "Bud" L. Lewis

Kenneth "Bud" Lewis, 88 of Lunenburg, VT died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, December 26, 2010 at Country Village Health Center in Lancaster, NH.

Born in Lunenburg VT to Frank and Agnes (Kenney) Lewis. He was given the nickname "Bud" by his older sister Helen. His Grandparents lived with the family on their farm and were a huge influence in his life, especially his Grandfather, Charles Lewis.

He was educated in the local schools and in 1942 joined the Army. He was the only son and although he could have been deferred because of his Father's ill health, he chose to go and fight for his country. He was a member of the 77th Infantry Division and was in three major campaigns in the pacific during WWII. He fought on Leyte, Guam and Okinawa where he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart.

Upon his return from war he began his career at The Gilman Paper Mill, which later became Georgia Pacific. He was employed and held a supervisory position during his 44 years until retirement. In 1945 he met the love of his life, Ms. Arlene R. Gunther who later became his wife of 63 years. They had two sons, Kenneth J. Lewis and Thomas F. Lewis.

Bud was actively involved in the community and was coach of his son's Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball teams and manager of the town's baseball team, as well as being a volunteer firefighter. He was custodian of the Catholic Church in Lunenburg and worked on many bazaars to help raise money for the church. Later in his life he was a member of the committee established to erect a monument in the Park to recognize all Lunenburg Veterans who served in the military. He also organized and ran programs for Veteran's Day and Memorial Day services.

Bud enjoyed spending time outdoors. Every spring he dedicated much of his time at the sugar house, which he began working at in 1928 at the age of six with his father. The sugarhouse was passed on to him after the war and the operation was continued with the family, including his favorite dog, Brownie. In his eighties he was still making his famous maple syrup fudge. In the summer months he took pleasure in planting and tending to his large garden.

He is survived by his wife Arlene (Gunther) Lewis of Lunenburg; his son Kenneth Lewis of Littleton, NH; son Thomas Lewis and Daughter in law, Theresa Lewis of Lunenburg, VT. His three Grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pa", Katherine Lewis of Hampton, NH; Nancy Bonney of Wilbraham, MA; and Steven Lewis of Antioch, TN. His Niece, Barbara Willson of Lunenburg, VT; two nephews Robert Willson of St. Johnsbury, VT, Merle Allin of Temecula, CA; and a sister-in-law Arleta Baird of Franconia.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Agnes Lewis; Sisters, Helen (Lewis) Willson, Phylis Lewis and Brother-in-Law, Jack Willson.

There are no visiting hours. A Celebration Mass will be held Saturday, January 8, at 1:00 PM at All Saints Church, Lancaster. Reverend Raymond Ball, pastor will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes may make a donation in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, Portland Office, 163 Lancaster Street, Portland, ME 04101 or the Alden Balch Memorial Library, 24 Main St. P.O. Box 6 Lunenburg, VT 05906.