Byron Charles Lewis

Byron Charles Lewis passed from this life at the age of 89 on March 27, 2022, surrounded by members of his loving family at his home in Clark Fork, ID. Byron was born January 4, 1933 as Billy Moyot in Denver, CO.  He was adopted by Grace & Dan Lewis of 44th & Inca, Denver, CO as an infant.

Byron proudly grew up in North Denver, attended North Denver schools, played football and graduated from North High.  After high school graduation he drove a semi truck and spent some time trying to figure out which direction to head in life.  At the age of 20 he entered the US Navy and spent 4 years serving his country as a machinist on the USS Orion, a submarine service ship.  This is where he honed his abilities to make or fix anything.  After serving in the Navy, Byron decided to give college a try.  He said he never thought of himself as the college type.  He played football while at the University of Northern Colorado.  He attained his teaching degree while there which began his lifelong passion of educating ALL kids. He devoted his educational life to vocational education and frequently & passionately spoke to the need to educate those that were NOT heading to college.  He was the “Champion of kids”, especially those who were struggling.  He loved the students in his classroom, on the field,  track and eventually in his school.  He held his students accountable, held them to task, and loved them along the way.  He helped them see that they could become more than what they may have been destined for. 

While attending UNC, Byron joined the ski club because he wanted to make friends, at the time he didn’t ski.  During spring break of that year the “ski club” was headed to Aspen to ski for the week and stay at the home of one of the members, Myra Whittlesey.  Because he didn’t ski he ended up spending the week helping Kenneth, Myra’s father, do maintenance on his farm machinery so it was ready for the fields soon.  Kenneth told Myra as they were leaving that he sure liked that young man.  Myra decided that she should give him a “notice”.  It didn’t take long before they were dating.  Myra returned to the Roaring Fork Valley for the summer to work at the Red Onion as a waitress and Byron followed her over the mountains and worked for the T Lazy 7 Guest ranch.  They were married the following December.  

They both finished their education and then made their way to Shoshoni, WY; Byron’s first teaching and coaching position.  His first year of teaching he made $4200.  After spending three years in Shoshoni it was time to return to Colorado.  Returning to the ranch that Myra grew up on, Byron built a beautiful log house, the first of three homes he would build.  Byron and Myra loved their life in Emma raising their family of three girls; Robyn, Stacey, and Dana.  Byron took a position as Industrial Arts teacher and football coach in Basalt, CO.  He enjoyed his time coaching and teaching at BHS and then moved on to Aspen High School where he spent 11 years as counselor and assistant football coach.  Many fun times were had at AHS and many lifelong relationships were built. In 1976 on a summer vacation to the Northwest they bought their dream place.  A 200 acre ranch that is located 6 miles southeast of Clark Fork, ID.  They moved to Clark Fork in the summer of 1978.  They soon figured out that they were not going to be able to make a living on the ranch alone.  Myra found Byron a job teaching at Sandpoint High School.  Shop and math!  After being out of the classroom for many years he enjoyed the opportunity to once again engage with students. The following fall he was named Principal of Clark Fork School K-12.  He remained there for many years and then  became Vocational Director for Bonner County Schools, and the State of Idaho until his retirement. During this time he was given both state and national honors for Vocational Education for his efforts to bring about a more expanded education for all.  

In the spring of 1994 Byron was diagnosed with Prostate cancer and was given 2-10 years to live.  He exceeded that diagnosis more than two times.  He developed very meaningful relationships with his doctors through the years.  He had much to live for!  Eventually the cancer progressed into his bones.  Much like he faced his previous life challenges he continued to fight valiantly even to his death.  

Byron will be remembered for his tenacity in life, his wit, his unending and deep love for his wife and family and the fight and passion for the things in life he believed in.  

Byron is survived by his loving wife, Myra of 64 years.  His daughters, Robyn King (George King), Stacey Mannix (Brent Mannix) and Dana Grupenhoff, (Doug Grupenhoff)   Also 7 wonderful grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  His grandchildren, Chris, Matt, Stephanie, Bryan, Ashley, Oliver, and Quincy,will be his honorary pallbearers; along with his lifelong friend, James McFall.

His family would like to thank Bonner General Hospice for providing support through the last couple months.

A Celebration of Life for Byron will be held Saturday, April 16th at 2 pm (PST) at the Clark Fork  High School gymnasium. In lieu of flowers we urge you to make a donation to The Sharing Closet, at the Monarch Market, Clark Fork, ID or to the Clark Fork Jr/Sr High School.