Daniel John Lewis
September 24, 1989 to February 13, 2024
Obituary
We are devastated to announce the death of our beloved son and brother, Daniel John Lewis (34) on February 13th, 2024. Daniel suffered a cardiac arrest at the Mount Pearl Summit Centre after doing what he loved best, swimming. He fought hard to recover, but passed away from his injuries after two weeks of excellent care at the CCU in the St John’s Health Sciences Centre, while surrounded by his devoted family.
Born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Daniel was a consummate athlete from the start. From when he was very young his life revolved around swimming, baseball, basketball, volleyball, hiking, and every other outdoor activity you can name. When he wasn’t participating himself, he was watching games and cheering on his favorite teams (especially the New York Mets). His love of the outdoors extended to birdwatching, which itself came from his great love of animals. Rarely could you get through a conversation with him without discussing some awesome cat he had encountered. He was also an avid reader, from classics to comic books. But most importantly, Daniel was a good and fiercely loyal friend; this is a hard loss for many.
Daniel is survived by his parents (David and Ivy Lewis), his brother (Phillip Lewis), his sister (Amanda Lewis [Travis]), Danny Kelly (Angie and Joanne), Mary Alice and John Duke (Michael, Anne [Andrew], Julie [Darren], and Joseph), Rick and Donna Kelly (Jennifer [Ned] and Lisa), Paul Kelly (Sean, Gail [Jason], Liam, Ryan, and Nick), Iris and Lee Penny (Charlie and Annie [Matt]), Donna and Wayne Moses (Maria and Ben), Kathy and Larry Marks (Evan [Hilary]), Judy and David Carter (Alice [Matt], Katie [Mason], and Rachel [Kraig]), Grant Kelly, Denise and Darrell Cole, Bern and Roz Lewis (Sonya [Rob], and Jason), Jim and Barb Lewis (Tracey [Joe], and Lisa [Darren]), Kathy Quinlan (Sean [Roseanna], and Ryan [Ashley]), Glenn Nielsen [Yeta], Lesley Nielsen [Cory], Raymond Nielsen, Krista Nielsen, Heather [Jonathan] Allan, Charles Phillips (Kathryn [Chris], Jamie [Stefan]), and a wide circle of close friends.
He is predeceased by his grandparents Richard and Drucilla Kelly, Phillip and Katherine Lewis, aunts and uncles Evelyn and Ray Nielsen, Phyllis and George Templeton, Regina Phillips, Leo Quinlan, and his cousin Pamela Kelly.
Daniel’s family would like to thank all our friends and family who provided support through the tragic events of the last two weeks. We would also like to extend our thanks to Dr. Chris Holden, Darren Clarke, and to the first responders, doctors and nurses at the CCU at St. John’s Health Sciences Centre, who we know provided Daniel the best healthcare, with grace, under impossible circumstances.
A service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, or to your local SPCA or Animal Shelter.
The most important thing I learned on Tralfamadore was that when a person dies he only appears to die. He is still very much alive in the past, so it is very silly for people to cry at his funeral. All moments, past, present, and future, always have existed, always will exist. The Tralfamadorians can look at all the different moments just the way we can look at a stretch of the Rocky Mountains, for instance. They can see how permanent all the moments are, and they can look at any moment that interests them. It is just an illusion we have here on Earth that one moment follows another one, like beads on a string, and that once a moment is gone it is gone forever.
Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five
To the Lewis family,
My deepest condolences on Daniel’s passing.
I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel just once, sadly it was the morning of his passing, we were swimming together at the Summit pool.
We had a lengthy chat that morning after I noticed that he seemed to be feeling unwell after finishing his swim, I checked with him to see that he was ok. It was only moments after that I noticed he had taken ill and collapsed.
For the entire period of time he was struggling to recover in hospital he was in my thoughts constantly, I kept my hopes high that he would make a full recovery, unfortunately that was not be! I was devastated to learn of his passing, such a fine young man gone much too soon.
I cannot find enough words to express the extent of my sympathy to his family. May you all find the peace and strength you need to deal with this terrible loss.
Daniel, rest in peace.
Bill Kelly
ok.
Ivy, David, Amanda & Phillip
Nancy and I would like to send our condolences over the loss of your dear Daniel. He was such a beautiful person. In addition to his incredible athletic abilities, Daniel was a superb musician as was witnessed by his stellar participation in Concert Band, Jazz Band and private lessons. We were lucky enough to run into Daniel in Toronto this past December and he had that always glowing smile that was such a staple of his personality. I can only imagine the heart break that you feel. We will miss him.
Ivy and Family
So sad to hear of Daniel “s passing .. my heart aches as the loss of your child is unbelievable . Know that I am thinking of you all and praying for you !
Katherine Coleman
Corner Brook
To the Lewis Family
We send you are sincerest condolences. It is beyond comprehension to understand why such a tragic event could happen to a young beautiful soul. We hope that the love and support of those who care for you and Daniel, comfort you during this difficult time.
Gary and Rosalie Haire
Ivy and family, We were so very sorry to hear of Daniel’s passing. Thinking of you at this sad and most difficult time. Love and God Bless.
Marg and Mit Burden
To ivy, Dave, Amanda and Philip………
We are devastated to hear of the passing of ur precious son Daniel
Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel for you Ivy Dave Amanda and dear Philip
Please accept out sincerest condolences – our thoughts are with you constantly
Judi, Jim, and family
Ivy and family :We are heart broken to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you in this time of sorrow.
Carla and Dwayne Gillam and Mona Fraser
David & Ivy & your entire family our heart felt condolences in the lose of your Daniel.
To Ivy and Amanda and your family, I am so sorry for your great loss of your most precious son and brother, Daniel. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
So very sorry and saddened to hear about Daniel’s passing. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Amanda,
I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family at this very sad time. It is difficult to lose a loved one at any time, but especially in the prime of their life. I’m thinking of you and holding you in my heart. May your memories of Daniel bring you comfort.
Ivy, Dave & family, Just heard of Daniel’s tragic passing yesterday and had to reach out to you Ivy. We have known each other for over 50 years through nursing . Words seem inadequate to express the heartache you all must be feeling. My heart goes out to you & your family in your time of sorry . Hugs my friend .
So sorry to hear about Daniel!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time!! Rhonda and Brian Terry
To Ivy, David, Amanda and Phillip,
We were very shaken with the news of Daniel’s passing.
The profound grief that you all must be feeling is unimaginable.
Jim and I have known Daniel from a young age at St. Gerard’s Elementary School . We have watched him and his friends grow, develop close relationships, and become young men. Daniel had such a captivating personality and his charm and charisma always shone through whenever he dropped by our house. He always liked to have a little chat before moving on with “the boys”. We will cherish those times as we remember him.
A group of Daniel’s friends have remained very close with him over the years since and the love they have expressed for him, and the stories they have shared, is a testament to what an exemplary person he was.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sharon and Jim
To the Lewis Family
I am so saddened to hear of Daniel’s passing. We were in the same class every year from kindergarten through grade 12. I have fond memories of playing at the park on East Valley Road when we were kids, and in high school playing in jazz band with him.I lost touch with Daniel after high school but would occasionally see him when I would return to Corner Brook and he would always have a warm smile and a friendly hello. I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking of your family at this time.
Sending you our deepest condolences upon the death of your son, Daniel. He was a kind, caring, fun loving soul and he will be missed by all that knew him.
Ivy, Dave, Amanda, Philip and family,
I am heartbroken to hear of Daniel’s passing. Growing up together on Raymond Heights Daniel and I seemed destined to be friends. We attended the same schools, played on the same sports teams, had the same summer jobs. More than that though I looked up to Daniel and by extension Phil as brothers I never got to have. Daniel was with me for so many formative moments in my memory that I can’t think about growing up, or about my life, without thinking about him. Important things like me learning to ride a two-wheeler so I could catch up to him, or my being there at swim meets to cheer on his (much greater) athletic success. And less important things that nonetheless made up our childhood – renting endless VHS tapes from Allan’s video, staying out past midnight to play spotlight, spending our summers at the park across from Bryan’s Irving and later roving around Town Site.
As we grew into adults and saw less of each other I still loved being friends with Dan, and I always looked forward to seeing him again and being wrapped up in his enormous embrace, and in his energy and his joy. I miss Dan so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rob
Dear Ivy, Dave, Amanda and Philip,
We have just learned of Daniel’s passing and wish to extend our deepest condolences to each of you . Please know that there are so many people near and far who desire to ease your burden of this great loss. May knowing that so many people care ….help you all during this difficult time. Leigh and Gord O’Keefe.
To the Lewis family,
I am so sorry to hear of Daniel’s passing. I will always have fond memories of snowboarding with Daniel. He had a great sense of humour. Losing a family member is so hard when it’s so sudden like this. Rest in peace Daniel.
Thinking of you,
Michelle and the Corbett family.
I am so sad to read the terrible news about Daniel. It’s been many years, but I remember him well: smart, funny, quirky, and so kind. I remember the bond all three siblings shared – thick as thieves. I am thinking of all of you, and everyone who loved Daniel.
Since we were kids, you were always someone I looked up too, you were cool, strong, and always happy. You had a presence in a room like no other and your laugh was infectious. Your love for family and friends was unwavering. I looked forward to every family gathering or opportunity we had to hang out.
I will never understand why you were taken so soon, but until we meet again, I will miss you every day. Dan, the man. I love you, cousin.
To the Lewis Family:
We send our heartfelt condolences to you.r family. We remember Daniel as a fine all around athlete from our days in Beavers through high school., and a youngster with a warm and engaging smile. Most importantly for us was the kindness he always showed to Maggie and Cary throughout their swimming careers—-he was a person of extraordinary character. and will be remembered as such by all who knew him. Very sorry for your loss.
Kent and Charlotte Jones
To the Lewis Family,
Patti and I were so saddened to hear of Daniel’s passing. Daniel was a long time friend of my boys, Patrick and Brian. He was a wonderful young man and I always enjoyed chatting with him when he visited with the boys. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ken & Patti Walsh
I can’t believe it. I have known you all for son long and I could never imagine this. I am so sorry that this happened..
To the Lewis Family….Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful son, Daniel. We were shocked and saddened to hear the news that he didn’t make it. It was quite a while ago that we actually saw Dan. He had visited our son, Nicholas Diamond, at our house in New Glasgow. He went back to Antigonish with a container of homemade date squares under his arm, happy as a lark! It had been some time since we had all seen him and we were thrilled to see someone from our hometown. Such a brilliant and delightful young man taken too soon; we can only imagine the depths of your grief. We hope that you will find some comfort in knowing your grief is shared by many who adored Daniel. He will be missed. With deepest sympathy, Gwen and Garry Walsh
Ivy, John and family. I only learned of Daniel’s passing yesterday. I was so saddened to hear this news. Although his life was short, it seems he left an indelible mark on the lives of his family and friends. Please accept my sincere condolences.
We were so sorry and shocked to hear of Daniel’s passing. I can’t imagine your grief. Daniel.was an exceptional young man and you must find dome comfort in that.. Condolences to the both of you and to Philip and Amanda
I’m so very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your son Daniel. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time.
With deepest sympathy.
Laura Flynn
Ivy, Dave and Family,
I just learned of Daniels passing. Words can’t describe how sorry I am for your loss. I want to say so much to you but instead I’m sending love and strength your way.
With my deepest sympathy.
Karen Buckle
To the Lewis family:
I am so sorry to hear of Daniel’s sudden passing. I have very fond memories of training with Daniel for various swim meets. When such a large portion of your life is devoted to your sport, your teammates become like family. They support you during the ups and the downs both in the pool and when things are tough outside the pool. During a time of life when kids can be extremely hard on one another, Daniel was such a kind soul and I will always remember him that way. My thoughts are with you all during this incredibly trying time.
Dear David and Ivy,
Please accept my deepest condolences over the heart wrenching loss of your son Daniel. That is the hardest grief parents ever have to endure.
My prayers are with you..
Eileen (Hawkin)
Ivy and family,
My heart is broken to hear of Daniel’s passing. I have so many memories with him growing up. It was only a few days ago I had been thinking about him. It’s been many years since we’ve spent any time together, but I have always considered him a friend. His passing leaves a large gap in the lives of many. Sending you all love and strength.
Beth
Ivy, David, Amanda and Philip
I was so shocked to hear about Daniel’s passing. My condolences Ivy and to all of you at this time. I know you must be devastated by this loss as Daniel was taken way too soon from this life. May you keep all the special memories of your wonderful times together close to your heart and may these memories help you in the months to come. May he now soar with the angels and watch over you all from above.
Sorry for your loss,our hearts are with you.
Dear Lewis Family,
I am so sad to hear the terrible news of Daniel’s passing. Although it’s been a few years since I last saw him, I will always treasure the happy memories of growing up together on the swim team & travelling around Atlantic Canada for swim meets. Daniel was a talented athlete, a great person and a wonderful friend. He was truly a joy to be around and will surely be missed ❤️
Sending my love and condolences during this difficult time.
To Ivy, Dave, Phil, Amanda and Travis, extended Kelly and Lewis families, we send our sincere condolences to you all. We have many fond memories of Daniel playing games and spotlight on Raymond Heights with our kids. He always had the sweetest smile and we will treasure our memories of him.
Ivy, Dave and family,
I just heard the sad, sad news of Daniel’s death. Heartfelt condolences to you all. My heart breaks for you with the tragic loss of your son. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Jean
To Ivy,David,Philip,Amanda and family;We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Daniel’s passing.
Daniel is such a thoughtful and wonderful person and always greeting you with that beautiful smile.He will be missed.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times.
I’m shocked and saddened to hear about Daniel’s passing. He always was positive and a smile on his face when I dealt with him at baseball. He was enjoyable to coach. One of the best outfielders I’ve coached.
My deepest condolences to Mr and Mrs Lewis and the rest of Daniel’s family for this great loss… I am so shocked and equally heartbroken by the news of Daniel’s passing…. I went to high school with Daniel and we were apart of a crew of kids who hung out in townsite area. Daniel, your essence was undeniable my friend. Truly one of a kind; so pure, so hilarious and so full of life. Love you through and through and you will be deeply missed. We were all tremendously lucky to know you in the years you were here.
Words cannot express the sorrow we felt when we heard of Daniel’s passing.. Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Ivy and Dave
I just now heard about Daniel’s passing. I am so very sorry to hear of this tragedy in your family. My heart bleeds for you. Please accept mine and Keith’s deepest sympathies.
Doris Cormier
I grew up going to school with Dan’s brother Phil, only knowing of his little brother, six years our junior. Decades later after years away, I found myself back in Corner Brook and playing in the senior baseball league. It was at that time I met Dan and we hit it off, enjoying a lot of conversations over the next couple years. He was a smart guy, an enthusiastic guy, and an intelligent conversationalist. I’ll miss the possibility of our next chance encounter, in Corner Brook or St. John’s, or in some humourous exchange on social media . Gone, frustratingly, too soon. Cheers to you my friend, I’ll catch you on the flip side. Warmest of thoughts to his brother Phil and his whole family and circle of friends.
Daniel’s kindness, brightness, and sweetness of spirit shone from the time he was born. He couldn’t help but make you smile and his kindness extended to everyone around him, furry friend or human alike. This was evident from the time he was a little boy growing up on Raymond Heights, to the lovely and considerate young man he became. I send all of my love to you Ivy, Dave, Phillip, Amanda and Travis and I am so sorry that this has happened. Daniel will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Susan
My sincerest condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Amanda, Phil, and the Lewis family. Dan, I’m grateful that I got to see you this past Christmas time, give you a big hug, and spend some quality friendship together before you left this earthly plane. You even gave me a ride all the way back to CBS from St. John’s because that is just what an absolute solid friend you are. You have been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Always laughing and having a smile on your face. The biggest, heartiest laugh I’ve ever heard. You were always up for friendship, whether it would be just going for a coffee, watching movies, going for walks, or playing video games. You were an absolute encyclopedia of knowledge. I could ask you about any topic and you would be able to list off facts or anecdotes on anything. Whether it be world history, sports, movies, music, video games, or just about any other topic. I will never forget all the great times we had playing video games and going on the most epic adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3. We were an excellent team and I couldn’t have done it without you. I learned to love and appreciate sports through you and your enthusiasm for the game, whether it would be baseball and especially the New York Mets, Hockey, Basketball, and many others. You just totally enjoyed the friendship and genuinely loved just being there and spending time with your friends. I will miss you immensely and I will never forget you, brother.
Love, Your Friend
Ian
“In my life I have found two things of priceless worth – learning and loving. Nothing else – not fame, not power, not achievement for its own sake – can possible have the same lasting value. For when your life is over, if you can say ‘I have learned’ and ‘I have loved,’ you will also be able to say ‘I have been happy.” – Arthur C. Clarke
To the Lewis family.
So sorry to hear of Daniels passing. We remember him growing up here with all the boys on the street. Thinking of you at this sad time and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gertie and Don DiCesare
Going miss you alot Dan. May you RIP. Gone far far too soon, Condolences to the family
sending prayers
Oh Dan. How did this happen? It’s been days since you left us and it still feels unreal. The house is too quiet without you. Who’s going to stink up the place with those garlic dinners now? I’d gotten so used to you being around. I took it for granted that you’d always be with me. Chatting and emailing when we were frustrated. Going home to visit mom and dad at Christmas. Bonding over movies, books, and games. So many simple things we’ll never get to do again.
I never cared about sports and I’m sorry I didn’t connect with that part of your life. I couldn’t escape your excitement though. Even with you secluded downstairs I still got the play by play. Cheering at the top of your lungs all night long. Especially when the Mets were in the World Series a few years ago. It was amazing. I’ve never been as passionate about anything as you were about those games. I remember how frustrated you were when, of course, they blew it. You said that was it. The only chance you’d get to see them win in your lifetime. I told you to keep on hoping, but in the end you were right. But that’s ok. Like Hunter Thompson said, learn to enjoy losing. I know I need to. I’ve got no choice. That’s the only way I’m going to carry on because I feel like I’ve lost it all. I know I’ll find a way through this but I’ll never be the same. I’ll never forget you. I love you my one and only little brother.
Dear Ivy , Dave & Family.
Our hearts are breaking for you, we think & talk of you everyday,… We remember the time, we stopped in to visit, when all our kids were younger, Daniel & Krystle were so close in age and had so much fun. We are sending our Sincere Condolences, lots of Hugs & Love to you all 🫂🫂🫂🫂❤️❤️❤️💔
Dear Lewis family,
I am heartbroken to learn of Daniel’s untimely passing. He was such a strong supporter and friend over the last 18 months since we reconnected after my Dad’s stroke and I moved back to NL. He was a true friend and I will miss his support and care.
Sending you love ❤️