Lewis Joseph Bordeaux Jr.

ESTEPONA, Spain - Lewis Joseph Bordeaux Jr., 79, of Estepona, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, in Estepona.

Lewis "Lew" was born on June 1, 1943, in Alameda, California, the son of Florence Bordeaux and Lewis J. Bordeaux. Lew and Florence moved to Wakefield, Michigan, to the Brotherton Location, when Lew was three-years-of-age to reside with Minnie Haglund and her family, June, Jack and Nancy. The children were close and grew up together, more like siblings than cousins.

Lew attended the Wakefield Public Schools, where his mother was a kindergarten teacher for many years. Lew graduated in 1961, and went on to pursue a degree at the University of Michigan. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education in 1965, and began working as a teacher in the Detroit Public School system.

In 1968, Lew was selected to be a volunteer for the Peace Corps and spent time in the Punjab region of India, helping the people there and making many good friends.

After his time in the Peace Corps, Lew made the choice to stay overseas, settling in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he worked as an English language instructor and interpreter and training specialist.

Upon retirement Lew settled in Estepona, in his beloved, formerly vacation home, in the Costa Del Sol region. He enjoyed the lifestyle Spain had to offer and spent many happy moments sitting on his balcony, overlooking the sea.

Growing up Lew became very active in the 4-H organization. He maintained this affiliation throughout his life. Lew held leadership roles and received many awards and accolades for his work. In 1966, he was selected to be a delegate for the 4-H International Exchange Program (IFYE) and traveled to Japan, the beginning of his international travels. Over the years, Lew attended U.S., European and International IFYE conferences, making friends all over the world.

Lew loved to return to Wakefield and the Upper Peninsula whenever he could, except in winter, as he disliked the snow and cold. He enjoyed visiting with all the people that had been a part of his life.

When at home, Lew would attend services at his much-loved Methodist Church.

Lew maintained a busy life, and stayed in touch with his friends and family. He made friends all over the world and made it his mission to continue those friendships. Lew was a wonderful storyteller, recounting every detail. He loved to talk about his family and the past, and it was a joy to hear him. Lew loved to ask questions and engage people in conversation. He was loved and will be missed by many who in turn loved him.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Lew to be held on Monday, Oct. 3, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Wakefield United Methodist Church, at 706 Putnam St., in Wakefield.

A graveside service will follow the visitation at noon, in Block 46, at the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood, Michigan. The Rev. Pamela Starr will preside. Interment to follow.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.