Our Stories: Fred Lewis

For business leader Fred Lewis, Courage Center Duluth is a true community asset

Fred Lewis, seated, continues to enjoy a sports-filled life including downhill skiing through the programs offered by Courage Center Duluth. Lewis is shown here with volunteer Mark Gotwald (back) and a friend Steve Sailer (right).

Life has always meant pushing hard for Duluthian Fred Lewis – as a business leader and civic advocate, as well as husband, father and grandfather. Today, at 92, his challenge is Parkinson’s disease. A movement disorder, Parkinson’s has taken a toll on Fred’s body, including losing a voice legendary for its power. His refusal to let this disease control his mind and spirit sets him apart, says Eric Larson, director of Courage Center Duluth, who noted that “[Lewis] doesn’t let his disability get in the way of life.” Here is Fred’s first-person account:

My wife, Mary Holms Lewis, and I were both born and raised in Duluth. I served in the Navy during World War II, and came back to Duluth to join the family banking business. After retirement I enjoyed my life – family, golfing, some sailing, skiing and running.

In 2002, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I gave up golfing, which was one of my great pleasures. Another pleasure of mine has been physical fitness and the discipline it provides. Since my diagnosis, I have worked out three times a week with a personal trainer. One day, after working out, I talked with a friend of my son’s, Bill Angst, a volunteer at Courage Center Duluth, who like me, is an avid golfer. Bill told me of Courage Center Duluth and all the programs they offer to people with disabilities. Programs like fishing, golf, sailing and skiing.

It was at least six years ago when we took our first trip to the local golf course and enjoyed the game of golf with Courage Center. I purchased an adapted golf cart which I have since donated to Courage Center Duluth so others can enjoy golf as I have. Through Courage Center Duluth, I have had the opportunity to enjoy activities I didn’t think I would experience again in my life. I have fished and golfed with my sons and one of my grandsons. But in the past couple of years I have had a whole new experience – skiing. With friends and volunteers beside me I took a wonderful trip down the slopes of Spirit Mountain in a sit ski – four times! It brought back memories of skiing all those years ago with Mary and the kids. I had a great feeling of euphoria.

I believe Courage Center Duluth is a very valuable asset to our community. It gives people with disabilities the opportunities to experience being active, enjoying the outdoors and being with other people. As for me, my next goal is sailing.  My wife and sister are great lovers of sailing and through Courage Center Duluth we hope to accomplish this, too.