Obituary: Becker, Lewis Stockton
His grand-parents, Lewis And Nora Becker, along with his stepfather, Robert (Bob) Baertsch, played a significant role in raising Lew from 1945 until he graduated from Rogers High School (Spokane) in 1958.
He attended Whitworth College, then WSU, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Metallurgy.
He then spent 2 years working and playing in Torrance, CA before moving to Bremerton, the city of his residence until his death.
He began his employment as a metallurgist with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in May 1965.
The highlight of his career was the 4 Ă‚Ë?
years he spent “on loan” to the Ship Repair Facility in Guam.
In June of 1995, after 30 years+1 month+ 11 days, Lew retired from PSNS.
He took his wristwatch off that day and never put it on again.
Lew lived every day of his life with courage, determination and a wonderful sense of humor.
He contracted polio at the age of 6 and was told he would never walk again.
HE DID.
He was told by many doctors that he would probably not live past his mid-forties.
HE DID.
Lew spent over 10 years meticulously restoring his ‘39 Ford.
He loved attending swap meets and car shows where he made many friends and shared many restoration stories.
Selling the Ford in 2013 did not end his car show days.
Lew is survived by Janice, his wife of nearly 43 years; sisters Jeri (Steve) Alben of Kirkland, Linda Zehnder of Gig Harbor; surrogate daughter Kimberly (Greg) Fish and her sons Cameron and Logan of Oregon City; nieces Stephanie Alben and her sons Jadon and Uriah of Kirkland, Courtney Alben of Seattle, Anna Dukes of Port Orchard; nephew David Dukes of Federal Way; his long time friend and “other wife” Nancy Doll of Bremerton; numerous friends and extended family.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Per Lew’s request, there will be no services held.
Family will gather at a later date to tell stories and honor all that he will always be to us.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org.
Please sign Lew’s online guestbook at www.lewischapel.com