LEWIS WILLIAM DENNEY, JR  1927-2020

Lewis (“Lew”) William Denney Jr. of Nipomo, California passed away on May 25, 2020, just days before his 93rd birthday.  After 92 plus years of pretty darn good health, he suffered a few months of declining health then died peacefully knowing he was loved.

Lew was born in Missouri on June 6, 1927, to father Lewis W. Denney and mother Leona A. Denney.  The oldest and last survivor of seven children, Lew didn’t have the opportunity for a formal education.  He did have grass root know how and tenacity.  He helped out his family and worked many odd jobs at an early age. Lew took great care of his parents until their final passing.

Lew loved sports, especially baseball.  His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals. He came to California with an aunt at the age of 15 with the hope and dream of playing professional baseball. He played with some farm teams and traveled across the country playing ball but never reached his pro ball goal.  Despite his never playing pro ball, Lew never wavered on his devotion to the game.  He watched each and every game his beloved Cardinals played.

In the mid 1940’s Lew returned to Missouri where he met and married his first wife, Imogene. He joined the army in 1952 and a few years later he became a father to his only child, Pam.

In 1955 Lew and his family returned to California and lived throughout the Central Valley where he worked in farming and harvesting, eventually settling in Santa Maria where he began a long career in production farming. 

Lew became a partner in Byrd Produce and along with his partners took a small harvesting company to new heights.  Known for his solid work ethic and common sense, Lew was a highly respected farmer and harvester.  He designed and manufactured many harvesting tools and equipment that are still used in the business today. Many in the Guadalupe farming community can attribute their skills and careers to Lew.  He loved the people he worked with and even after many years had passed since he retired in 1995, he could clearly recall their names and when and where they met.

 In 1970 Lew married Ruth.  Together they shared a passion for golf, learning the game together and moving to Nipomo to be near that passion.  They enjoyed friends and community.  Lew and Ruth were often found BBQing on the patio inviting neighbors to come over for a slice of tri tip and a cocktail and Lew would share some long stories of days long past.  Lew often brought boxes of the latest harvest from his farm fields to share with delighted neighbors.  Ruth and Lew never missed their annual trip to Las Vegas. Gambling was a shared love.  Even after Ruth passed over nine years ago, Lew enjoyed a trip to the casino or as he called it, “The Club.” 

Many will remember Lew as a caring family member, good neighbor and friend and a teller of tall tales. He was especially delighted when his nephew named his son Lewis in honor of him.

 Of all the people he touched, his most thrilling moments in life were at the end of a fishing pole, showing friends his secret techniques and fishing holes.  He was a masterful freshwater fisherman.  His record catches were frequently reported in local publications.  He won awards, made his own stink bait, rigged and re-rigged his collection of poles and reels and crafted lures.  He always caught the most and biggest fish.  His talent was apparent and admired.  To many he was a fishing guru, mentor, go to guy when all else failed or just someone to listen to a problem. 

Lew is survived by his daughter Pam and her husband Sidney Neal, stepson Bobby Skaritka and stepdaughter Cindy Skaritka and her beautiful daughters and his grandchildren, Amanda, Cayla, Bronwyn, Danica and their nine children.  He is also survived by loving in-laws, nephews, nieces, a grand goddaughter and a very special group of fishing friends.

Lew will be greatly missed and remembered by all.  Should you ever be lucky enough to catch that big fish, make a hole in one, win a jackpot or see the Cardinals win the world series, just know, you might have had a little help from Lew.

There will be no open service during these trying pandemic times.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wilshire Hospice of San Luis Obispo.