Lewis H. Monk
Sept 28, 1921 - Oct 8, 2014

Lew was born September 28, 1921 at Oakland's Fabiola Hospital to John and Edna (Potter) Monk, both of whose ancestors immigrated from Denmark. He attended Glenview Grammar School and graduated from Oakland High School, class of 1940. Lew served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 3-1/2 years in WW II including assignment to the LST 207 in the South Pacific.

Lew retired after 35 years with the Southern Pacific Railroad as an officer in Passenger Operations. Early in his career, Lew was an agent on the Southern Pacific Coast, San Joaquin and Shasta Daylight trains. Of particular note, was his coordination of whistle- stop trains for John Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Nikita Kruschev. His work was a great source of pride. The history of all railroads held a special interest for him.

He was married 55 years to his wife Katharine (Wittman) who preceded him in death in 2001. They made their home in Alameda and enjoyed many activities including golf, bowling, dancing, traveling throughout the U.S. and foreign countries. He was especially proud of his three "hole in ones" (always attributing them to skill) and his beautiful begonias in his garden.

Lew was a long time member of Live Oak Masonic Lodge and of Alameda Elks; he served as past president and executive secretary for SKAL Club. Surviving Lew is his son Kenneth Monk (Vicki) of Oakland, his daughter Janice Hanson (Paul) of Sonoma and granddaughters Katharine Rienerth (Chad) of Denver, CO and Christine Hanson of Greely, CO.

Lew passed away October 8, 2014 in Alameda. His life was fully lived and always filled with a great interest and sense of fun. Services were private.