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
13 Responses
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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!!!
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.
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