Obituary of Earl Michael Lewis

Earl Michael Lewis (1952-2024) Glace Bay, N.S. It is with shattered hearts, we the family, announce the passing of our incredible husband, father and grandfather, Earl Lewis. He passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, surrounded by his family and all the love they carried for him. Earl was the son of the late Earl Lewis Sr. and Margaret (Tootsie) MacDonald Lewis. He was born on September 3, 1952, and spent his youth playing sports, boating on the Mira, and riding skidoos all over Cape Breton Island. He raced cars, pulled pranks and made friends everywhere he went. He was known for his kindness, confidence and infectious humor. It was impossible not to laugh and smile in his presence. Earl met his match, Glenda (Roach) Lewis when he was 15 years old. Together they shared 57 years of love, laughter, stubbornness, loyalty and devotion. They were the most opposite pair that worked in perfect unison. Together they raised three daughters, Vanessa (DJ) MacMullin, Jodi (Kirk) Bradbury and Courtney (David) Wadden. If being an amazing father were an Olympic sport, Earl would have been a Gold medalist. He cherished the role of Dad and devoted his life every day to making sure his daughters felt like the most loved girls in the world, and they did. We didn’t know Dad’s heart could grow any bigger, until we witnessed him become a grandfather. His five grandsons, Ty, Noah (Esly), Cole, Isaac and Max brought an unmatched joy and love to his life. He cherished every moment he could spend with them and when they weren’t around, he gushed about his love and pride for them. Earl was known for his work ethic and his career path spanned from the Sydney Steel Plant, Highland Fisheries and finally Custodian at Cape Breton University. He could always be found working hard while whistling a tune with a smile on his face and perhaps a mischievous prank or two on his mind. His positive and happy-go-lucky nature caused many to underestimate him until they sat across from him at a Union meeting. His sharp wit and ability to absorb any Collective Agreement was a force to reckon with. Earl always fought for the underdog and believed in fairness and doing the right thing. He would say “if you can’t convince them, confuse them” and boy was he skilled at both. The sound of his Union gavel is forever etched in people’s memories. Earl’s love for nature led to his favorite hobby of exploring the Cabot Trail. Anyone that visited him was guaranteed to experience a guided tour and he knew every inch of that road. He would often explore on his own and called it his “sunshine drives.” He found joy in life’s simple things and always marched to the beat of his own drum. He was his own man and didn’t bother himself with the opinion of others. He loved music, name brand clothes and dancing the night away. If you were lucky enough to be loved by him, it’s something you never had to question. Earl leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, family devotion and pure kindness. He is predeceased by his parents Earl Lewis Sr and Margaret (Tootsie) MacDonald Lewis. Sister-in-Law, Mary Frances Roach, Brothers in Law, Bobby Roach and Brant Roach. Left to celebrate his memory are his loving wife, Glenda (Roach) Lewis, daughters Vanessa (DJ), Jodi (Kirk) and Courtney (David). His five grandsons Ty, Noah (Esly), Cole, Isaac and Max. Sisters, Malcena Lewis, Gwendolyn Lewis and Earlene Lewis, Aunt, Rodina McNiel and niece, Arissa Lewis. Sister-in-Law, Annie Laurie and Donna (Roach) McArthur, Brothers in Law, Danny (Ginette) Roach and Jimmy (Susan) Roach. As well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rest in eternal peace now Earl, you are free again to laugh, sing, dance and watch over us until we meet again. Your memory will echo through generations, and we will cherish every part of you we carry with us. Thank you for loving us, we will love and miss you forever. Do not worry Dad, we will always remember to keep our stick on the ice. In lieu of flowers we request you do a kind deed for a loved one or a stranger. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 12-2 p.m., and service to follow at 2 p.m., all in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, N.S. 902-849-4199. Words of comfort may be expressed to Earl’s family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.