Lewis Becker, Jr. Obituary (1939

Lew was born in Spokane, WA to Lewis S. (Sr.) and Lorraine Becker. His grandparents, 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 Washington State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Metallurgy. He then spent 2 years working and playing in Torrance, CA before moving to Bremerton. He began his employment as a metallurgist with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in May 1965. As far as Lew was concerned, the highlight of his career was the time (January 1989- June 1994) he spent "on loan" to the Ship Repair Facility in Guam. He and his wife lived in the village of Talofofo and loved everything about the island, the people, and the culture. Lew said it felt like he was on vacation 24/7. 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 enjoyed swimming, biking, bird hunting, and fishing at the Potholes. He was told by many doctors that he would probably not live past his mid-forties. HE DID. Lew loved the automobile. Over the years, he owned a number of cars. Among his favorites were his '50 Ford, '66 Chevelle SS, '72 GTO, '64 Fairlane and his '35 Ford Panel. The only one of those car he really, truly regretted selling, was the Chevelle SS. He considered his '71 GMC Sprint his everyday vehicle. Lew spent over 10 years meticulously restoring his much loved (and favorite) 1939 Ford Deluxe Tudor Sedan. He loved attending swap meets and car shows where he made many friends and shared many restoration stories. Selling the '39 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; niece Stephanie Alben and her sons Jadon and Uriah of Kirkland; niece Courtney Alben of Seattle; niece 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.