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I Am Always with You

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
The let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome home."

Ruddy Lewis passed away July 28th, 2005 after an eight month battle with esophageal cancer.

Born Edwards Redfield Lewis on June 14th 1939 in Seattle. He was a member of the first graduating class from Mercer Island High School in 1957. He is survived by his wife Gillian, son Morgan, daughter Justine, brother Peter, daughter-in-law Monica and grandson Jackson.

He was well known in the sailing fraternity from an early age as a founding member of the Corinthian Yacht Club Junior Program. In 1966 he won the North American OK Dinghy Championships and later sailed Dragons in the Olympic Trials. He many years racing 6 meters, International 14s and 505s and making sails at Northwyn Sails. He joined Seattle Yacht Club in 1972. Later, he built a 48-foot ferrocement ketch Lothlorien, which he and his family lived aboard for eight years. Summers were spent cruising the San Juans, the Gulf Islands, and points north. In recent years he was involved with the Northwest Seaport, spending many hours working to preserve the timber schooner Wawona, the tug Arthur Foss, and the lightship #83 Swiftsure. At his side when he passed were both of his chldren and his wife.