REDLANDS – (INT) – A Celebration of the Life for former congressman Jerry Lewis was held Thursday at the University of Redlands Chapel.

Lewis, 86, died at his home in Redlands July 15th.

Lewis was one of the Inland Empire’s longest-serving politicians starting as a local school board member, then in the State Assembly and finally in the House of Representatives from 1979 to 2013 representing much of San Bernardino County.

Among his most well-known achievements:

-Lead the effort to establish the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)

- Improve the health care treatments at the Loma Linda University Medical Center

-Secured federal funding for construction of the Seven Oaks Dam

-Obtained funding for flood protection along the Santa Ana River

While in Congress, Lewis rose to chair the House Appropriations Committee, one of the highest positions in the House.

“If Jerry was ever criticized, it was for delivering too much and too often for his district. Our country would be a far better place, if all of our public servants worked as tirelessly and effectively for the people they represented as Jerry Lewis did,” Congressman Ken Calvert (R-Corona) said.

“He always sought to give credit to others for his meaningful achievements,” his wife, Arlene, said. “It’s amazing what can be achieved,” he often said, “when you don’t worry about who gets the credit.”

Lewis, 86, died at his home in Redlands.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Alzheimer’s Association are encouraged.

c/o Blossom Grove Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
11116 New Jersey Street
Redlands CA 92373

Story Date: August 8, 2021