Robert Lloyd Lewis

Robert Lloyd Lewis, 76, of Bear Island Lake, passed away, on-towards his next adventure, on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, within Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN.

Bob was born in Duluth, MN on the 16th day of May in 1946 to George and Nita Lewis. Bob was a proud Greyhound and graduated from Duluth East High School in 1964.

Over his span of life Bob shared time in Duluth, Babbitt, Ely and the East Texas communities where he proudly owned and operated Community Market in Duluth MN, at a surprisingly young age; as well as worked as a meatcutter, mentor and manager for Slade’s Super Value in Babbitt MN, Leon’s IGA in Gilbert MN, Joe’s IGA in Ely MN, Arkulary’s Grocery & Super One Foods in Duluth MN, Fresh Market in Dallas, TX, and most recently the former Northland Market in Ely MN, where he was affectionally referred to as “Bob the Meat Guy”. Bob was in the grocery, butchery and sausage making business for over 60 years exhibiting pride, skill, attention to detail and integrity; all while ensuring a variety of fresh-quality-meat products were available for a fair price. Bob was one of the last “true-butchers” we will witness, a genuine master of his craft, exhibiting precision in cutlery skills and who could break down a side of beef with his eyes closed; yet humble and self-deprecating, to a fault. In his work Bob enjoyed engaging with the shopping public, mentoring future butchers & sausage makers, and loved joking around with the various colleagues, he called friends, over a 60-year span in the business.

Bob built a home near Bear Island Lake in the early 1970’s, where he pridefully raised three children with his former wife Susan, whom all proudly graduated from Ely Memorial High School. Bob was a skilled-weekend-warrior-jack-of-all-trades, a classic car aficionado, a highly competent home DJ of 50’, 60’s and 70’s rock & roll music and was quite proud of his collection of do-it-yourself-tools.

Bob is preceded in death by his father George Alfonse Lewis and mother Nita Lewis of Duluth, MN and his best friend, Sophie, the cocker spaniel.

Bob is survived by his three children Valerie Lynn Montgomery (John) of Colorado Springs, CO, Pixie Marie Burda (Matthew) of Livingston MT. and Brendan Robert Lewis of the great state of Minnesota. Eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, former wife Susan Mia Lewis of Tyler, TX. Brothers George Lewis of Duluth, MN, William Lewis of Lexington, KY and many nephews, nieces, friends, and former coworkers.

Bob’s children would like to thank Essentia Health Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN. For the professionalism, dignity, and empathy they exhibited while their father was in their care.

“May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun-shine warm upon your face; the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again Dad, may the Universe hold you in the palm of its hands.”