Richard Jay Lewis May 7, 1944 - February 5, 2015.........................................- ...............
Richard Jay Lewis was born May 7, 1944 in Los Angeles, California. At two days old, he was taken in to be cared for by a kindly Jewish couple, Samuel and Mary (Hochman) Gutterman, and they gave him the name Richard Jay Gutterman. When they passed away, he changed his name to Richard Jay Lewis........................................- ..................
Richard grew up in Los Angeles, California. When he was sixteen years old, he went into the Air Force, where he earned his GED. Later he went to college and although he didn't graduate, he learned enough to enter the field of quality control in aeronatics, in which he continued until he reached retirement age. He also became part owner of 'XRV Performance' for several years. Later, he moved to Parker, Arizona and became an assistant in a surveying company. Then he worked as a bus driver with the Parker Unified School District, where he was employed until his death...........
Although Richard wasn't religious, he was spiritual and had a high moral compass, especially in the last decade of his life. He was well known for his intelligence, his sense of humor, and his generosity to those in need....
Politically he considered himself an Independant. He supported equal rights for all Americans, job protection for American workers, and a strong and secure America.
He possessed an extensive library, containing books about motorcycles, cars, military history, psychology, philosophy, medicine, and large number of biographies. In the days before his death, he was reading 'Cosmos' by Carl Sagan, and 'The Story of Philosophy' by Brian Magee. He also had recently listened to the audio version of "A Tale of Two Cities', and actually finished it....................................
Ric- hard's death was of natural causes, and was sudden and unexpected. He leaves behind a wife Glenda Gustin Cook, a daughter Lenya Elizabeth Guest and her husband Dave, both in Parker, and a grandson Joshua Jay Allen Post in Michigan. He also leaves behind numerous cousins from the Gutterman family who raised him..........................................- ...
The family wishes to thank all the people in La Paz and Mojave Counties, and other places too, who have been so helpful and understanding during this difficult time; and in particular Richard's co-workers and the children of Parker Unified School district..........
Richard will be cremated, according to his wishes, and the family plans to inter him in Parker, Arizona. Instead of gifts or flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be made to charity......................
by Glenda Gustin Cook-- February 19, 2015This memorial website was created to remember our dearest
Richard Lewis who was born in
California on
May 7, 1944 and passed away on
February 5, 2015. You will live forever in our memories and hearts.
