August 18, 2011
Robert Miller Lewis, 74, of Barnstable, Mass., died peacefully Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at his home in Barnstable Village, after a long illness. Born in Flushing, N.Y., Bob was the eldest of two children. He graduated from Grant High School in Portland and from Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1961. Bob married Sandra Jane Shurtleff (deceased) in 1958 and relocated to Boston in 1961. Over the next 50 years, they resided in Wayland, Mass.; Ithaca, N.Y.; Bern, Switzerland; Danville, Ky.; and Barnstable. Bob was a member of the Department of Pathology, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, and worked at Tufts-New England Medical Center. He left Boston in 1975 to join the faculty of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., where he served as Chairman of the College’s Pathology Department until 1986. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2000.
Bob was a teacher and scientist at heart, and a mentor to countless veterinary students and young professionals. He enjoyed a good story, and he enjoyed the endless summers of excitement and camaraderie that Cape Cod afforded him and his family over the years. Many will remember Bob for his hospitality and generosity, and for the good times spent in his company on the Mongrel, chasing striped bass and bluefish across Cape Cod Bay. Bob is survived by his son, Jon Robert Lewis of Hong Kong; daughter, Karin Ann Lewis of Lexington, Ky.; beloved granddaughters, Meagan, Madeline and Audrey Lewis; and sister, Susan Lewis Davis of Gresham. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in Barnstable Village at a later date. Bob was proud to be an Eagle Scout.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, National Council, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079, Arrangements by Hallett Funeral Home, South Yarmouth.