- WEBER, Lew Lew was the husband of Margaret (Shantz) Weber, father of Ann Weber Becker, Mark Weber, Greg Weber, and Carolyn O'Krafka; father-in-law to Byron Weber Becker, Bonnie Weber, and Tracy Weber; grandfather to Luke and Mary, Joel, Kacie, Kyle, Natalie, C.C., Joey, Jake and Meg. He was a friend to countless others. Many felt valued and encouraged by him. Lew died on May 26, 2018. Together with his cherished spouse, Margaret, Lew built a family that knows how to have fun, but also how to look out for each other. He modelled this with consistent reminders to wear boots when the car was taken out into the winter. Also by leaving the "Happy Birthday" song on answering machines, year after year. Marg would sing the melody and Lew's tenor line would always have improvisational surprises. Lew loved being part of communities and building them. A gifted conversationalist, he was quick to establish connection and offer inclusion. Ah, the stories that could be told. Mennonite congregations, most recently Nith Valley, benefitted from Lew's consistent involvement. If you were a teenager, or new to church, your chance of escaping a welcome from Lew was slim to none. Whether at church or in the community, acts of service were not just a way of keeping busy, but an expression of his lived, incarnational faith. Hymnody fed his spirit. Choral music transported him. In his heart of hearts, Lew was a teacher. His reply to the question, "What do you teach?," would invariably be, "I teach kids." Every life has its struggles, and Lew plumbed the depths of his to be the "wounded healer" that supported many. Lew had a terrific sense of humour, at least so he thought, and most people would agree. Even in his final days, he infused quotidian events with joy and humour, singing the hymn "And I will raise you up on eagle's wings" while being transferred by mechanical lift. Lewis Weber was born in Vineland, Ontario, in 1934, the fourth child of Orphen and Katie Weber. His sister Verna Weber is the sole remaining sibling, predeceased by Mary Yoder (Ray Yoder), Vera Martin (Earl Martin), and David Weber. He met Marg at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, and was known to intentionally let her win at ping-pong, to her embarrassment. Reward Shoes took him to Kirkland Lake and North Bay where he managed shoe stores and earned money for school. He studied at Goshen College, Indiana. He returned to Ontario to marry Marg in 1956, and she started her teaching career, supporting him at Waterloo College (now WLU). He taught at two high schools in Woodstock, then Rockway Mennonite (he was principal), Forest Heights, and finally Waterloo-Oxford where he was a guidance counsellor for 21 years. Lew knew where to buy 25 lb. boxes of jelly beans at the stock yards. He needed a bulk supply, as students were welcome to stop by his office for a visit and a jellybean. Or two. He usually needed 3 boxes per year. His former students still refer to him as the "Jellybean Man." Lew retired in 1993, but W-O would permanently occupy a place in his heart. In retirement, Lew returned to managing shoes, this time at the MCC New Hamburg Thrift Centre. Wilmot Community Services, Interfaith Counselling, and other community groups were also offered his time and energies. Lew and Marg were choristers in Menno Singers for decades, and Lew served as the choir's president for many years. During his tenure, the Mennonite Mass Choir tradition was initiated. The Webers are deeply grateful to the staff in Long Term Care at Nithview Community, who cared for Lew with competence and compassion. He was able to spend his last days at home in his room, as he wished. Visitation will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street, New Hamburg, TODAY Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from 6 to 9, and again on Wednesday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 9. Memorial service will be at Nith Valley Mennonite Church, 1355 Bean Rd, New Hamburg on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers ("Ha, 'in Lew,' get it?") the family welcomes memorial donations to the Mennonite Central Committee, or Interfaith Counselling Centre. Donations and condolences for the family may be arranged through the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street, New Hamburg, (519) 662-1661. Online condolences and donation information available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
|