CULVER, Lewis Culver

He passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance – Chatham Campus on June 24, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born in Simcoe, Lew was the son of the late Lewis Sr. and Violet (née Moyer) Culver.

Lewis Culver was the beloved husband and best friend of 58 years to Bonnie (née Harron) Culver. He was a devoted father and best friend to Kimberley (Tom) Dunlop, and an incredibly proud Papa to Dean Lewis Dunlop, who was truly the greatest joy of his life. He will also be lovingly reunited with his cherished fur baby, Tilly, who passed away just two weeks before him and was always faithfully by his side.

He was a loving brother and lifelong best friend to Ron (Joanne) Culver, and was predeceased by his sister, Mary Culver. He will also be dearly missed by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carolynne (Jim) Spence and Joy (Dale) Eagleson, along with his many nieces and nephews: Carrie Summerfield, Kathy Culver (Abby Stevenson), Brenda (Mark) Lindsay, Michelle Lumley, Cheree (Scott) Clark, Sherry Blair, Shannon (Charles) Dezeure, Rachel Eagleson, and Rebekah Gaudreau.

Lew will be fondly remembered by his extended family, many friends, and former coworkers from Siemens (formerly Mahle) in Tilbury and Ontario Steel (Rockwell) in Chatham.

A passionate boater, Lew was a longtime member and past Commander of the Canadian Power Squadron, where he also taught boating safety courses for many years at John McGregor Secondary School. His dedication to boating extended beyond Canada, as he became a respected member of the Detroit Power Squadron, helping to build a lasting friendship between the two organizations.

One of Lew’s greatest passions was woodworking and restoring his wooden boats. He poured countless hours into meticulously restoring his beloved Trojan and Chris-Craft, ensuring every detail was just right. Proud of both his craftsmanship and his family, he named them Kimbolu and Kimbolu II in their honour.

For many years, Lew enjoyed fishing on Rondeau Bay and Lake Erie and spent countless summers boating, and later camping, at The Summer Place Marina and Campground. Many evenings were spent sharing cold beers and Gibson’s whiskey with his best friend, Terry Metcalf, while solving the world’s problems. Retirement suited him well, as he spent many happy hours in his shop building beautiful wooden model boats, proudly displayed in his home. And, of course, “Happy Hour” happened whenever the mood struck.

Music was another of Lew’s lifelong loves. In his younger years, he was the drummer for The Plainsmen, which later became the house band at the T-House. Even after his performing days ended, he could often be found downstairs strumming his guitars or cranking up the volume to his favourite artists, especially The Eagles and Bob Seger.

Above all else, Lew was a kind, honest, and genuine man-the true definition of the salt of the earth. He greeted everyone with a warm smile, never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and always had time for a conversation or a story. His family meant everything to him, and he made every moment with them count.

From the time Dean started Junior Kindergarten, Papa faithfully picked him up from school and drove him home every single day. Dean was Lew’s world, and Papa was Dean’s. Saturdays were reserved for tea with Kim and the fur-grand puppies, who knew that every visit included a car ride and Timbits at Papa’s house. Sundays meant coffee hour in the shop with his brother Ron and lifelong high school friend, John Gordon. Whether around the kitchen table, in the garage, on the boat, or at the campground, Lew created memories wherever he went. He was never short of a story, and he had a remarkable way of telling it-with every detail and every laugh-making you feel as though you had been there yourself.

In memory of Lew, pour yourself a glass of Gibson’s whiskey-his favourite-or crack open an ice-cold MGD, raise a toast, and celebrate a life well lived. The world will be different without him in it, but those fortunate enough to have known and loved him will carry his stories, laughter, kindness, and unwavering love forever. God only picks the best.

As per Lew’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Lew’s memory to Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue or to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.