51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Class of 1973 graduate, COL Albert "Albie" Lee Lewis, USA (Ret.), passed peacefully at home on Oct. 16, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Lewis was born at Fort Lewis [Joint Base Lewis-McChord] just south of Tacoma, Washington, though he grew up in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and attended the Scotland School for Veterans' Children. Eventually, he moved to Northfield and graduated from Northfield High School in 1969 before enrolling at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and graduated in 1973 when he also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

During his service, Lewis represented the United States in the Military Pentathlon through the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers. He competed in several NATO countries and earned various medals. He would continue his training and participate in the Modern Pentathlon during the 1980 Olympic Trials.

Lewis and his wife, Patti, married in 1981 and found their home in Berlin, Vermont. The couple raised three daughters, Kristen, Brittany, and Kaitlin. He is remembered as a proudly devoted husband and father.

He settled in Vermont's Mad River Valley following his time in the Army, though his service continued through the Vermont Army National Guard where he became the first chief instructor at the Army Mountain Warfare School. He additionally served as the military liaison team chief to Macedonia, and retired in 2001. He was an avid skier and was loved locally, known for his service behind the bar at Gallagher's in Waitsfield. Additionally, he founded Heritage Post & Beam, which focused on the restoration of historic structures that resulted in new homes and businesses.

Following his retirement, Lewis continued serving through volunteerism. This included 20-plus year with the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department and efforts at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, which benefits families afflicted with childhood cancer.

His life was celebrated alongside full military and fire department honors at White Memorial Chapel.