Al Lewis at the time of his first run for Nobleboro selectman in March 2011. Lewis passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 29. (LCN file photo)
Nobleboro Selectman Walter Allen “Al” Lewis Jr. passed away unexpectedly at home in the early hours of Sunday, May 29. He was 62.
Lewis had several roles in town. He was a businessman, a former chair of the Nobleboro Budget Committee and former member of the Lincoln County Budget Advisory Committee, and a former president and current vice president of the North Nobleboro Community Association.
Selectman Dick Spear said Lewis was in his sixth year as a selectman, having won election to the board in 2011. Spear said he approached Lewis when there was an opening on the board of selectmen and was pleased he decided to run for office.
Town Clerk Mary Ellen Anderson said Lewis spent nine years on the budget committee, and roughly five as chair prior to joining the board of selectmen.
Selectman Bud Lewis said he believes Al Lewis’ time as chair of the budget committee, working with the board of selectmen, helped peak his interest in running for the office of selectman.
Lewis served a three-year term on the Lincoln County Budget Advisory Committee after becoming a selectman.
Mitchell Wellman, of the North Nobleboro Community Association, said that through his time as president and vice president, Lewis helped the group with events, including North Nobleboro Day in August.
Whether it was general maintenance, changing light bulbs, or getting rid of old stoves, Wellman said that Lewis helped out wherever he could.
“Al was an excellent electrician. He helped to rewire the community hall to get us more outlets and more power for North Nobleboro Day,” Wellman said.
Wellman said if anything came up that needed attention, the association could count on Lewis to take care of it.
“He was really good at being there to do whatever was needed. He will be greatly missed,” Wellman said.
Lewis moved to Nobleboro from Florida in 1986 with his wife, Madelyn “Midge” Lewis, and worked for Bob’s Electric, a business he would acquire in 1995, rename Lewis Electric, and operate for the rest of his life.
He was born in New York City in 1953 and graduated from Portland High School in 1972.
A member of the United Bikers of Maine, Lewis could often be seen riding around Nobleboro on his motorcycle.
“Al will be missed in town,” Spear said.
A gathering of family and friends will take place at Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro from 4-6 p.m., Friday, June 10. For more information, see the obituary in this edition.
Spear said he is not sure how the board of selectmen will proceed. He said Lewis’ term will expire next year.
Spear said the June 14 primary is too close to hold an election, and the earliest an election could take place would be during the general election in November.
However, since the term will expire in 2017, if someone was elected in November, they would be up for re-election at the annual town meeting in March, giving them only a few months on the job.
“I think we’ll probably go with two selectmen for now,” Spear said.
Spear said the town would confer with the Maine Municipal Association to ensure everything is done properly.
