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Captain Lewis E. Bair

Captain Lewis E. Bair, age 85, of Parkesburg, PA, and Charlestown Manor, MD, crossed the final bar on Friday, January 16, 2009. He retired from 40 years with The International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots. He held a Masters License -- any gross ton Oceans and a First Class Pilot License -- Chesapeake Bay from Cape Henry to Baltimore. He sailed numerous steamship companies including Bull Lines Steamship Company, States Marine Lines, five years as Master for Farrell Lines Steamship Company, and Prudential LInes Steamship Company where he last sailed as Chief Officer of the Lash Pacifico. In the mid 1960s, he spent 11 months on the SS African Glen when it was blockaded in the Suez Canal due to the conflict between Israel and Egypt. He served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and was a part of our defense forces during the Cuban Missal Crises.

Captain Bair's memberships included: Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, Brandywine Goddard Lodge #383, 32nd Degree Consistory of Reading, PA, Nur Temple Shine of Wilmington, DE, Nur Temple Shine Yacht Club, Upper Chesapeake Yacht Club, the NRA, the Maryland Saltwater Sportfisherman's Association, Life Member of the Downingtown, PA V.F.W. Post #845, Vice Commander of the Parkesburg, PA American Legion, and the B.P.O.E. West Chester Elks Club #853. He loved deer hunting in the PA Mountains, fishing in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, and watching western movies.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth B. (Warren) Bair, daughter, Luanne Bair-Bouchelle and husband Dennis Bouchelle of Elkton, MD. Sister-in-Laws Doris Warren of Charlestown Manor, MD, Jeanette Beam, Brother-in-Law Thomas Lee, Jr. both of Downingtown, PA, Foster Sister Fern Wertz of Ohio, and cousin Jerry Cook of Earleville, MD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Violet Bair, a brother Walter D. Bair, Foster brother Frank Sears, Brother-in-Laws William E. Warren, Leon Beam, Sister-in-Law Barbara Lee, and Grandson Peter Bouchelle.

The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 11 AM at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, PA. The interment will be held following the Funeral Service in the Penningtonville Presbyterian Cemetery of Atglen. Family and Friends are invited to attend the viewing, which will be held at the Funeral Home from 10 AM until 10:45 AM. The Masonic Service will be held at 10:45 AM.

Online condolences for the Bair Family may be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com.

Condolences

Luanne, Our thoughts and

Luanne, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Deb and Ed

Submitted by Deb Esposito on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 08:19

Condolences

Luanne, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your father. Please accept my condolences to you and your family.

Lori J. Fraser

Submitted by Lori Fraser on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 10:07

My sincere condolence

Luanne, My sincere condolence and prayers to you and your family on the passing of your father.

Submitted by Ray King on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 10:21

My Condolence

Aunt Libby and Luanne I send You My condolence's Uncle Lew will be missed very much by all, There was many years of happyness and love over the years.All the memories will never be forgotten that I had with Uncle Lew. Now He is in a better place,and walking with Jesus and other past loved ones inside Heavens Gates.

Submitted by Barry E Warren on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 14:27

Dear Aunt Libby and Luanne, I

Dear Aunt Libby and Luanne,

I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Lew will be missed by many. I am sorry I wont be able to attend the services due to having surgery that morning but you are both in my thoughts.

Love you both

Melynda

Submitted by Melynda Jarvis on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 14:48

Dear Aunt Libby and Luanne, I

Dear Aunt Libby and Luanne,

I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Lew will be missed by many. I am sorry I wont be able to attend the services due to having surgery that morning but you are both in my thoughts.

Love you both

Melynda

Submitted by Melynda Jarvis on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 14:48

Dear Libby and Luanne, We are

Dear Libby and Luanne,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Lew. We have so many memories of all of you when we lived in the area. Lew was such a wonderful and interesting man. We so enjoyed the many conversations that we had with him during the family gatherings. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Even though miles lie between us now, we will always regard you as "family". We love you all!!!

Submitted by Donna and Scott... on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 16:38

Dear Libby, We are so sorry

Dear Libby,
We are so sorry to hear the passing of Lewis. You are in our prays. God Bless.

Jim & Joyce Davis

Submitted by Jim & Joyce Davis on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 21:01

Uncle Lew will be missed and remembered.

Aunt Libby and Luanne,
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Lew's passing. He has fought a hard battle. He will be remembered for his laughter and all those wonderful stories he always had to share with us. Uncle Lew was the first sea captain that I had the honor of casting off with so many years ago on the river in North East. Brian Matthew remembers how Uncle Lew always talked to him whenever we were at family events and especially down at the bay. I am sure that he is telling great stories in heaven by now and perhaps has already found Pops. Please know that the kids and I will be holding you both close at heart during this difficult time and hope that peace will be yours. God bless you. Bambi, Brian Matthew and Brooke Elizabeth Warren

Submitted by Bambi, Brian an... on Sun, 01/18/2009 - 23:30

Dear Libby, We were so sorry

Dear Libby,

We were so sorry to learn of the loss of Lewis. What a wondeful tribute to him to read of his accomplishments as a Captain, a Veteran, and an active member of the community. Please know we are thinking of you and the Bair family at this time. Jim and Judy Hudson

Submitted by Jim Hudson on Mon, 01/19/2009 - 10:15

Dear Luanne, My deepest

Dear Luanne,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time.
Vicky

Submitted by Vicky Vlahos-Kostas on Mon, 01/19/2009 - 10:23

Just a note...

Dearest Aunt Libby and Luanne,

Just a note to pass along our sympathy and love during your time of grief. We will always remember Uncle Lew for his warmth and joy.We hope you find comfort in the love and faith that suurounds you.

Love,

John-John And Paula

Submitted by John-John and Paula on Mon, 01/19/2009 - 15:12