LEWIS MESKIMEN, SR. (95) AUGUST 12, 1916- NOVEMBER 7, 2011 Passed from this life on November 7th in Hemet, CA. Lewis was born on August 12, 1916, and was raised in Marble Rock, IA. He has lived in seven states, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Utah, and New Mexico. He has resided in Hemet, CA for the past 7 years. Lewis is a graduate of Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He completed postgraduate work at UCLA and USC, and attended the Savings & Loan Institute. Lewis performed three professions and trades: that of a Journeyman Machinist, Minister, and a Banker. An ordained Presbyterian Minister, Lewis has served pastorate in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and California. He was the organizing pastor of two churches, and he opened and managed four Savings & Loan Offices. Lewis' hobbies include golf (he was a lousy golfer); dancing (square, round and ballroom) - he is a man with grace in his heels as well as in his heart; being a World Class Fisherman; hunting; photography; community service; counseling and art. At age 68, Lewis held his first paintbrush and had his first art lesson. Since then he has become a blue ribbon winner with his paintings, drawings and photographs. But, it will be remembered that Lewis' main hobby was people. For over 50 years, Lewis has been a Red Cross Volunteer and has received commendation & resolutions from the Red Cross, the City of Los Angeles, and the State of California. His nickname is "Grandpa." Lewis is survived by the love of his life, Elvira MesKimen of Hemet, California; his children Cynthia Sharp of Cottage Grove, Oregon; Lou MesKimen of Vail, Colorado; Dawn (Pat Wade) McGrew of Santa Barbara, California; and Al (Linda) MesKimen of Santa Barbara, California; his sister Davetta Cappel of Waterloo, IA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; and many other extended family members and close friends. A Celebration of Lewis' life will be held on Saturday, November 26th at 1:30PM at the Wee Kirk o' the Heather Chapel at Forest Lawn in Glendale. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Visiting Nurses Association of the Inland Counties, 39815 Alta Murrieta Dr., Suite C8, Murrieta, CA 92563. Hemet Valley Mortuary www.hemetvalleymortuary.com