Timothy Gale Lewis, 79, of Empire, died peacefully in his home on Thursday, January 5, 2017.
Tim was born on June 9, 1937, in Midland to Floyd and Eva (Lambkin) Lewis. He and his older sister Nancy spent summers in Empire at their grandparents' home, fostering his love for Leelanau County and his extensive family that settled in the area two centuries ago.
A gifted artist since childhood, Tim majored in art at Western Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 1959. After teaching elementary art for several years, he married his college sweetheart, Susanna (Ericksen) Lewis, and moved to Okinawa Japan, where he was stationed in the Army.
In the early 1960's, the couple moved to New York City to pursue careers in the arts. Tim worked for the renowned advertising agency Young & Rubicam, until he was invited by Milton Glaser to join the esteemed Push Pin Studios as a commercial illustrator. Eventually Tim went free-lance, and started his own successful business, Indelible Inc. Over the next thirty years he created works for well-known international publications such as Time magazine, New York Times magazine, major advertising campaigns, corporate media, record albums, and book covers.
A loving father, Tim raised his family in Park Slope, Brooklyn, in a brownstone that the couple renovated themselves. His two daughters, Alexa (Lewis) Deising, and Aury Lewis cherished their time with him. He was devoted to his girls, instilling strong moral values and a respect for the world around them, and was equally dedicated to his granddaughter, Anya Deising, and grandson, Chase Deising.
Tim retired from the world of advertising and commercial illustration, and returned to his roots in Empire, Michigan, where he built his "gallery house" to live in year round, and house his prolific amount of fine art paintings and collages. He painted daily, and donated to community causes through his artwork, notably creating the designs for the annual Empire Asparagus Festival, The Glen Lake Library, and the Ulster County SPCA in New York. He enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of fellow artists and neighbors, and was loved and respected in his community.
Per Tim's wish, he will be cremated, with a memorial service taking place this August in Empire to celebrate his life. Friends and family will be asked to attend. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Tim's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service.