Lewis Arthur Rich, 75

June 16, 1947 — May 9, 2023

Follower of Jesus, husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, cowboy, stock car crew chief, teacher, commercial fisherman, mechanic, firefighter, EMT and fire commissioner and county commissioner. Lewis "Lewie" Rich passed away while fighting cancer in Palm Desert, Calif.

Many who knew Lewie found his personality magnetic. He was a master mechanic and was capable of solving problems where others had given up. Moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1980, Lewie established Lake Automotive and operated a successful business for over three decades. He enjoyed RVing, taking long ocean cruises, rodeo and cowboy culture, as well as professional cutting horses. He also had a passion for motorsports, pursuing interests in NASCAR, motorcycles, ATVs, hot rods, antique cars, snowmobiles, dune buggies, boats, pretty much anything with a motor.

Lewie served as a Bonner County Commissioner from 2006 through 2012. He found this role to be a great fit for his skillset and personality. Taking on various projects and initiatives, Lewie brought a "no nonsense" approach to finding solutions. Several projects throughout the county were successfully completed during his two terms.

Lewie spent the last several years RVing up and down the Western half of the U.S. with his wife of 56 years, Karol, and his dog, Tebow. He was preceded in death by his father, Leon; mother Vivienne; and brothers Darell and Dennis. He is survived by his wife, Karol; son Jon; daughter Jacquie; and grandchildren Mackenzie, Samuel and Morgan; and sister Donna Schmidt.

Lewie always had a joke standing by. He would often describe the "golden years" as spending most of your time with a rusty zipper and yellow shoelaces. Laughter was paramount in his life. He never missed an opportunity to connect with strangers through humor.

Bank tellers, waiters, waitresses, grocery store cashiers, friends, family and infinitely more were no match for his dad jokes and sassy quotes. He had an impressive collection of snarky and highly opinionated T-shirts. He found political correctness to be a swearword and, if you asked his thoughts on something, you'd better be ready to hear his opinion.

Through all the sassiness and laughter, he also loved fiercely and was someone you could always count on to be there in times of need. He could deliver the biggest bear hugs that could make you suspect that you might have cracked a rib. He will be missed beyond belief and the hole that is left from his absence will be felt indefinitely.