Lewis F. Gill

Nov. 22, 1930 - May 30, 2018

Lewis Gill passed away peacefully in his sleep and at his home with a beautiful view of the bay and even more beautiful wife of 60 years by his side.

Lew was born and raised in San Francisco growing up in the Mission District. He was a proud graduate of Mission High School class of 1948. He later was drafted and served his country during the Korean War leaving the service in 1953 as a Sergeant First Class.

One of the privates in his platoon (a college graduate) persuaded Lew to go to college once he was back in San Francisco. Lew worked for Otis Elevator while pursuing his business degree at USF in the evenings eventually graduating 10 years later. During this time, Lew met the love of his life Connie while singing in a jazz quartet eventually winning her hand in marriage in 1958.

Lew and Connie bought their first home in Kentfield in 1962 with their oldest son Demetri arriving the year after and their youngest son Nikos a little later in 1968. During this time, Lew went into partnership and founded Lighting Systems, Inc. Some of their notable clients included the Bank of America building, the Moscone Center and upgrading the lighting of the Bay Bridge.

In 1970, Lew moved the family to Sacramento where Lighting Systems opened a new office. After a couple of years, the family returned to Kentfield where they remained for the next 30 years. In the early 70’s, Lew helped launch the first youth soccer program in Kentfield-Greenbrae serving two terms as President of what later became known as the Ross Valley Youth Soccer League. He was also active in coaching both little league baseball and soccer.

Lew’s passion for soccer led him into the world of refereeing where he served Marin County and other Northern California schools through High School level for over 20 years. He became the first licensed USSF referee instructor and assessor in Marin County, cofounding and becoming the first President of the Marin Chapter of the California Soccer Referees Association.

Equally important to Lew was his family who enjoyed many fun vacations together (mostly skiing and summer fun in Tahoe). Lew and Connie enjoyed traveling visiting England and Greece several times from where their parents had immigrated as well as the South Pacific and China. Family time was important to Lew who without fail had dinner with his wife and sons together every night, no excuses!

Lew and Connie later relocated to Bel Marin Keys settling into retirement. Lew remained active with the Bel Marin Keys Yacht Club and was a member and past Director of the SIRS Branch 7 making important decisions on where to play their next game of golf! Lew continued his love/hate relationship with golf until the end.

Lew is survived by his great love Connie, sons Demetri (Maritza) and Nikos, grandchildren Gavin, Madisen, Anthony and Loren Alexander, sister Mona Hoffman and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life is planned to be held in his honor at his home on August 25 from 1pm. Please contact demetrig@comcast. net for further details