MATINICUS - Daniel A. Lewis, 62, died on November 23, 2022, unexpectedly, after finishing a day of haul, surrounded by many caring islanders.
Born in Rockland, Dan grew up on Matinicus Island. He attended Matinicus Elementary and graduated High School at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. While in high school the maintenance department recognized his talent for mechanics and took him under their wing. He learned from them as much as they learned from him.
Dan began lobster fishing before he could walk. He worked closely with his father Brad, spending his days lobstering and summer nights tending a herring seine in Burgess Cove. He inherited his father’s boat, Trade Winds, in his early 20s and eventually stepped up to his final boat, Trade Winds II, which he Captained until the day he died. Many island fishermen gathered together in an impressive show of force to tend Danny’s gear for one last time; F/V Trade Winds II hauled its last load and took its last ride on November 28th. The words “Trade Winds Trade Winds, you on here Dan?” will no longer be heard on VHF Channel 19. Those words often meant a fellow fisherman needed a boat part, something fixed, or some sort of help. Dan was the guy to call. He was always there to help.
When not on the water fishing or fixing someone’s truck or boat, Dan could be seen in his pickup truck making rounds on the island, checking on things. He loved to start his day having coffee with the neighbors and ended his day making more rounds enjoying cocktails with friends. He was always very well informed about the lives of his neighbors and cared deeply about all of them.
Dan was the Road Commissioner and Assistant Fire Chief of Matinicus for many years. He was the go-to mechanic on the island and could fix anything with an engine. He kept the island's fire trucks and equipment in working order. He was in charge of the 1940’s road grader, which he operated just a few weeks ago. It was a mystery how he kept it running all this time. He took great pride in his work. He was the overseer of the island
itself, a true pillar of the community.
Dan was predeceased by his parents Patricia Alice Philbrook and Bradford Edwin Lewis; grandparents Ed and Lois Lewis and Vernon and Grace Philbrook; baby brother Stephen Lewis; baby sister Michelle Lewis; step-son Christopher Whitaker and nephew Bravin Zoller.
He is survived by his beloved dog Captain; his partner Deborah Walters; sister, Stafanie Zoller-Lewis; his aunts, Wilma Bridges and Verna Chamberlain; Nieces, Tiffany Howie and Sara Lyn Chacon; his nephew, Michael Malone and countless islanders whom he considered family.
A memorial service will be held on Matinicus Island in Spring 2023, date to be determined. Danny wished to be cremated and his ashes spread in Burgess Cove.
Those who would like to share a story or memory with the Lewis family can do so on their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home 110 Limerock Street Rockland, Maine