Born in Victoria, BC and passed away August 3, 2016 with family by his side. Predeceased by the love of his life of 66 years, Patricia Page. Lew is lovingly remembered by his children, Jill (Ralph), Ken (Diana), Melinda (Don); 4 grandchildren, Todd (Andrea), Darren (Tracy), Robyn (Jorge) and Paul; 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Lew attended Oaklands, Central and Victoria High School. He Served in the Armed Forces (1942-1946). Lew was employed as a foreman at the City of Victoria Parks Department for 35 years. In the year 2000, Lew was inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and Softball City in Surrey. Lew loved his sports and dedicated “80” loyal years to all sport. He officiated basketball, softball, and also played and coached. Lew’s a life member in Basketball BC, Softball BC and for many decades a member of Canadian Umpire’s Association.
A special thanks to the staff at Broadmead Lodge, VGH 4th floor and The Victorian at McKenzie.
There will be no service at Lew’s request. Private family cremation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Len Anderson
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Mavis Underwood I saw the beautiful, friendly face of a man I knew as umpire and friend. It was always a pleasure to be pitching a game when Lew was umpire because he took such a genuine interest in people. He always had anecdotes or inquiry about my family and I could not help but admire and respect him. What a great loss to his family who were used to sharing him with the sporting community, what a great loss to humanity. A genuine Gentle Man, much loved.
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City of Victoria Parks Division employees The City of Victoria Parks Division employees would like to express our sincere condolences to the McCorkall family after hearing of the passing of Lew .
We still have a few employees working with us who started their career with Lew , as he was winding up his ; leading our Repair / Construction Crew . Lew help to develop and shape many parks and green space throughout Victoria , which we as employees and the residents still benefit from today . We appreciate all of Lew’s efforts to make our city more “liveable” with his 35 years of work service to the City .
Lew’s contribution to our local sporting community lasted way longer than his working career…… his encouragement , engagement , efforts and ever presence at the local diamonds made such a huge difference to so many . Again , greatly appreciated by all of us .A great loss of a great man . Thank you Lew for sharing your knowledge , skill and passion so freely .
The City of Victoria Parks Division employees
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Greg O'Connor Lew was instrumental in getting me involved in softball first in juvenile ball then Junior Mens’ Softball with Morrison Motors.He also was influential in gaining summer employment for me at the Parks Department for the City of Victoria.I continued to see Lew as he refereed important elementary school basketball games and finally I would chat with him at the slopitch games he umped in his later years.Lew is one of the true legends of sports in Victoria.My condolences to Kenny,Jill,Ralph,Mindy and the rest of the family.
Greg O’Connor
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Pat Hall Dear McCorkall family,
My sincere condolences on the death of Lew, your father/grandfather,great grandfather and all others. Lew and I go back a long way in the basketball and softball world. We were both very involved in most aspects of the game, whether it was in administration, officiating, or playing. His contribution to all was remarkable. Also I was pleased to see him inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame, deservedly so. He will be back with his wonderful supportive wife, Pat. Rest in peace Lew.
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Karen Johnson To the McCorkall Family
I remember Lew & Pat from their years of living at The Pacific Monarch. They were wonderful neighbours and are both missed! My thoughts and prayers are with you, hugs Karen johnson
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the Secco family Dear McCorkall Family:
We were very sorry to hear of the recent passing of Lew. We have many fond memories of him reffing softball and basketball games over an incredible span of years. He certainly brought a smile to our faces in later years as he mesmerized young athletes with fancy twirls and behind-the-back passes during Night League basketball games! As well, he was a very popular ref at the Victoria Independent Schools’ Grade 5 girls’ basketball tournament. We hope that fond memories of your amazing dad will help to ease your sorrow.
Sincerely,
the Secco family
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Don and Myrtle Smith Dear McCorkall Family:
Please accept our sincere condolences in the recent loss of Lew. He was a good and longtime friend and we have many fond memories of our time spent together at Boys Central School and on the sporting fields. He will be dearly missed.
Sincerely,
Don and Myrtle Smith
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John and Marilyn Bate To the McCorkall Family.
We are very sad to learn of Lew’s passing. Lew was a FIRST CLASS GENTLEMAN.
Remember him coaching softball with the Tillicum club at Hayward Park in the 50’s. Remember Jill and Kenny running around as little ones. Your Mom was a special lady as well and now they are together again.
We are grateful our paths crossed in life. Memories last forever.
Please know our thought are with you.
We send our Sincere Sympathy to you all.
Most sincerely John and Marilyn Bate.
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Peter Simmonds In 1963 I had come from Nova Scotia and played my first game with Haida Chiefs at Central Jr High School. The Refs were Lew and a real character called “Gummy” Leach.Small in stature, I soon learned that Lew was nobody to argue with.Over many years I have reffed with him and for him. Meeting Lew was always a pleasure and I always wondered at his never ending enthusiasm. Victoria has lost a real icon and a great gentleman. Rest in peace my friend. If anybody deserves it,you do. Regards Pete Simmonds
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Pete Devana Lew was a true Sports official, always keeping the Players ,Coaches and Fan’s concerns above his own.
He always kept it Fair and that’s what everyone wants. He was Fair, Firm, and Friendly. The 3 greatest attributes any great official must have.
He will be missed by everyone who knew him. RIP SIR!!!
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Lowell and Ann Hodges So many connections with Lew: three HODGES generations (and one SPRINKLING) basketball refed by him and Lowell played for him, and Ann’s brother Neil and his wife Loraine were fast friends with Lou and Pat. He definitely made impacts on our lives as he did with many Victoria people. But his impact on you, the family, has been greater than we outsiders can imagine and our sincere sympathies go out to you.
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Charlene Lovelace Fowler Mindy,Kenny and Jill,and all the extended family thinking of you all as you go through this journey. Myself I spent many days, sleepovers at the McCorkall house with very many special memories , ones I will never forget, and of course the cabin in Sooke. Know at he is now at peace and he will be umping and reffing many games in his new home. Lots of Love and hugs to you all.
Love Charlene
To all the McCorkall family.
We have many memories of both Lew and Pat and the “kids”. Len was coached by Lew in softball and basketball with little Kenny running around then. Many happy memories of trips to championships and later with all the kids in tow. Len refereed basketball over the years with Lew as well.
Our sincere sympathy to you all.
Len and Shirley Anderson