Obituary for Tristan da Cunha islander Lewis Glass, who passed away 19th February 2019, aged 70.

Obituary for Lewis Glass

By Dawn Repetto

Lewis Edward Glass known to his family and friends as 'Lulu', passed away on 19th February 2019, aged 70. He was born to parents Godfrey and Cathleen Glass (née Green) on 6th April 1948. He was one of three children and married Yvonne Repetto on 26th June 1969 and had two sons, Trevor and Simon.

Lewis played many roles within the community. He was employed at the fish factory and partnered Eric Glass to fish for lobster and then took on a young apprentice Wayne Swain until his retirement. Lewis also partnered Harold Green to fish on the MFV Hekla for a month. He was a Special Constable for the Police Department and would assist there when the need arose, whether it be policing work or as immigration officer for the cruise ships. When the island's policeman was absent, he also took over as Head of the Police Department. Lewis was elected to the Island Council for six terms in 1973-1979, 1985-1988, 1991-1994, 1994-1997, 2003-2007 and as Chief Islander from 1991-1994. He was also served as Acting Administrator for two periods in 1994 and 2005.

 Lewis Glass

Lewis took part in two rescue teams who travelled to Gough Island, one was in 1969 when a few members of the Gough Team were lost on the mountain, and the other was in 2000, when a pair of fishermen were marooned on the island after their MFV Edinburgh-based fishing boat capsized. In 2006 Lewis also assisted in the wreck removal operation of an oil rig that was grounded on Tristan's shores.

As an outstanding member of the community, Lewis was awarded four medals: the MBE in 1995, Colonial Special Constabulary Medal in 2010; the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal for service as a Special Constable in 2012 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for mountain rescue.

Although Lewis had a busy work life, he was a family man and took great pride in looking after his wife and children. He was a very fit man and loved the mountain and going around to the Caves and Stoney Beach for a weekend break, tending to sheep and cattle respectively. In his younger life the young men were often heard to say, 'if you're going on the mountain with Lewis let him get ahead as he walks so fast he will have your legs aching in no time'. He also loved tending to his potato patches and would spend many a day there with his wife Yvonne.

Lewis was a kind and humble man and will be sadly missed by his wife Yvonne, sons Trevor and Simon, daughter in law Natasha, sisters Evelyn and Johanna and all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.