LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Clyde Lewis, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Clyde Lewis of Plattsburgh, New York, noting
the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, An icon for the North Country, Clyde Lewis was one of the
most significant movers and shakers in the region during the last centu-
ry; known as the father of Plattsburgh Air Force Base, he was instru-
mental in making it the best of the best for many years; and
WHEREAS, In the 1950s, Clyde Lewis was the man who lobbied the Air
Force to bring a Strategic Air Command base to the area; after Platts-
burgh Air Force Base arrived in the mid-1950s, it blossomed into one of
the largest units on the East Coast, at one time hosting more than 4,000
military personnel and their dependents; and
WHEREAS, Plattsburgh Air Force Base closed in a controversial move in
September 1995; while active, it was home to a number of bombers and
air-refueling tankers; the latest mission included FB-111 jets and
KC-135 stratotankers; and
WHEREAS, A decorated B-17 pilot, Clyde Lewis served for many years as
national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; appointed in 1949,
he was the first World War II veteran to head the organization; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Notre Dame, Clyde Lewis attended the university
with the intention of playing football for the storied Irish before an
injury curtailed his career; he also graduated from Harvard Law School;
and
WHEREAS, Clyde Lewis joined the law firm of Feinberg & Jerry, which
later became Jerry, Lewis, Wylie & Lyon, in 1939, and was a member of
the Clinton County, New York State and American Bar Associations; and
WHEREAS, Clyde Lewis is survived by his wife, Patricia, and two sons,
the Reverend Clyde A. Lewis, who is pastor of St. Patrick's Church in
Rouses Point and John E. Lewis, all of whom felt privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoiced in his many achievements; he was predeceased by
his first wife, Helen M. Judge; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Clyde Lewis leaves behind
a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a
comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Clyde Lewis, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Clyde Lewis.