Words from Di Pearson
Lewis ‘Lew’ Carter, a much-respected Member of CYCA since 1972, has passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, he was 81.
Lew was never one to give up, and he continued to go out socially, played golf, raised money and awareness for Parkinson’s until the last couple of weeks of his life.
Starting in 1983 on Lady Jane, Lew did 16 Sydney Hobarts on other boats such as Sirocco, Ruthless, Margaret Rintoul II, Szechwan and Wild Oats (43) when owned by Bob Oatley. In 1989, Lew volunteered to take on the role of Chief Radio Operator on the Radio Relay Vessel Achilles. He did this role 11 times until 2000, only missing 1992. His toughest assignment was the 1998 race.
Lew raced a Laser regularly, out of various clubs, including Vaucluse Yacht Club where he had many friends. In fact, the last time I saw Lew and his wife Gloria, was at that Club for friend Doug Cameron’s birthday in March. He was in great form and just glad to be among friends having a good time.
Lew, formerly a car salesman, also loved a game of golf and played regularly at Woollahra Golf Club, the scene for a hugely successful fundraiser for Shake it Up Australia Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, success due to the many friends Lew collected along the way.
In 2013, Lew and Gloria attended the opening of ‘Mickleborough’s Corner’ at CYCA. It was a well-kept secret, as Gloria, a professional singer, was there to serenade Don Mickleborough. Much to everyone’s amusement, Lew appeared behind the bar to announce his wife, which is where I took the photograph.
Lew was tough, direct and uncompromising, but always ready for fun. One of his friends, John Winning remembered Lew today. “He never, ever gave up. He loved life and just wanted to be out playing golf and doing things with friends. It’s only been the last couple of weeks that he went downhill. We’ll miss him.”
Lew will be sadly missed by all who knew him. As his funeral notice says: ‘May his voyage be blessed with calm seas and gentle breezes’.
Our sympathies go to Lew’s wife, Gloria, and family.
Family and friends of Lew are invited to attend a Liturgy of Funeral Prayers 1430hrs Friday 3 January to be offered at St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 835 New South Head Road, Rose Bay.
A private cremation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Lew to Shake it Up to further research into Parkinson’s Disease: shakeitup.org.au/donate
