Those who worked with Mark Lewis remember him fondly.
“Mark was always ‘out there’ — part rasping pirate, part mischievous elf, part bawdy uncle, with a dash of Santa Claus,” School of Journalism and Communication instructor Mike Thoele said. “He lived a life that was on display, the perfect mirror for an inner conviction that the greatest joy was in connecting with other people. Students who shared his instincts found validation. For the less confident, he was the path to discovery of their inner-extrovert. He served them all well.”
Mark Lewis died on Dec. 7 from a pulmonary embolism. The presentation skills instructor was 60.
Lewis often visited classes during his time at the SOJC. It was common for him to speak in courses such as Gateway and journalistic interview. He was known for his enthusiastic presence, for teaching students the proper way to do a handshake and his storytelling:
“He tells them, and it is like a beautiful oration. He uses voices. He uses sound effects,” said Lisa Heyamoto, an SOJC professor and member of The Emerald’s board of directors. “And he transports you, and he is just standing there in front of you, acting it out, and this is truly incredible.”
Lewis was an award-winning storyteller. He won two Emmys in his 40 years in the entertainment industry: Both for his show, Word Pictures, for WTTW in Chicago. One for his writing of the show, and the other for his performance. Lewis was also featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Mark Lewis can still be heard on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland. Lewis has also worked with ABC TV and The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Lewis and his wife have lived in Eugene for 23 years. He left Los Angeles and headed for a classroom to begin a new venture in the realm of storytelling. Instead of performing, Lewis wanted to teach.
Lewis began his journey with the SOJC in 2011.
“His stage is now his classroom and his students are now his audience,” advertising major Danielle Holley wrote in a biography she drafted about Lewis for her journalistic interview class. Holley was inspired by Lewis after he visited her Gateway course.
“For this assignment, I knew I wanted to interview Mark Lewis,” she said. “He is by far the most entertaining and charismatic person I’ve ever met.”
On Dec. 8, the SOJC held a memorial for students, professors and the public to remember Lewis. The white board of Allen Hall Hearth was filled with memories and experiences, surrounded by a sketch of Lewis’ face.
One excerpt read: “You saw potential in me that pushed me to new heights. Your vision lives on through me and all the lives that I touch, thank you Mark Lewis.”
Lewis’ wife, Colleen Lewis, has worked at the UO for nine years, and currently works as the employer relations and events coordinator for the career center. Mark and Colleen have two daughters.
“I think he brought a heightened energy and joy and enthusiasm,” Heyamoto said. “I think that all professors here have that, but he was just something special.”