Benjamin Lee Lewis passed away on February 25, 2025 at the age of 70, surrounded by his loving family.

Ben was born in Hokkaido, Japan and immigrated to the United States at the age of two with his younger brother Ken and his mother Toki after the tragic death of his father. His father Robert was killed by lightning while serving for the United States Armed Forces in Japan.

Ben was a graduate of Freshwater Elementary, Winship Junior High, and Eureka High Schools. He was very active in athletics, football being his favorite. He was very proud of being on an undefeated football team while at Eureka High.

After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four years and earned a honorable discharge.

After serving his country, he gained employment with PG&E as a certified welder at the King Salmon Nuclear Power Plant. He proudly retired after 33 years of service.

Ben loved spending time at his family’s cabin. As a young boy his grandfather took Ben and his brother Ken to the cabin teaching them to hunt, fish and log. This encouraged Ben’s life-long love of spending every free moment at the cabin. He carried on this tradition by teaching his children the same love of being at the cabin especially fishing.

Ben’s other passion was being a Corvette owner. He looked forward every week to Corvette Coffee.

Ben was also a proud member of the Calvary Baptist Church.

Ben is survived by his loving wife Sandy of 32 years. They were married after reconnecting at their 20th high school class reunion. Ben is also survived by his five children: Robert Lewis, Sarah Lewis (Ben), Matthew Hillyard (Sara), Jeffrey Hillyard (Roxana), Jamie Stokes (John) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Heidi, nephew Ken and many other family members. And we can’t forget his loving dog, Pearl.

He was predeceased by his grandfather Emmett Lewis, his father Sgt. First Class Robert Milton Lewis, his mother Toki Hipner, his step-father Ray Hipner, his brother Kenneth Lewis, mother-in-law Beverly Thompson, and his mentor Smitty.

His family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt and UC Davis medical staff for their care. We would also like to give special thanks to son-in-law Ben and nephew Ken for their unending support at UC Davis and for being bedside with Ben through his final moments.

Services followed by a celebration of life potluck will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church 3400 F Street Eureka.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Ben Lewis to Hospice of Humboldt 3327 Timber Fall Court, Eureka 95503.