Raymond “Lew” Andrus

Raymond L. “Lew” Andrus, of Bainbridge Island, lost his third battle with cancer on Memorial Day, May 25. He was 80.

Born in Ames, Iowa to Eva and Lynn Andrus, he graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute, served in French Morocco during the Korean War, and was on the first staff of the Air Force Academy at Lowry AFB and Colorado Springs.

Island residents since 1966, Lew and Lois were married for 53 years and the parents of Ross, Joel, and Heather. He was an account executive and art director at Lennen & Newell, San Francisco and then in Seattle, before launching his own graphic design firm of Andrus & Higgins, later renamed Lew Andrus & Associates.

Thirty-plus years later, and after designing and building his own home, he joined the Seattle Art Institute faculty part time, passing his layout and design, computer graphics and animation skills to the next generation of artists.

Upon retirement, Lew kept busy with community projects like The Broom magazine, illlustrated children’s books, and political cartoons. He participated in AIS Faculty art exhibits and always kept Lois well supplied with helpful housekeeping advice.

Lew lived and died on his own terms. In addition to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent lung surgery in 2005 and chemotherapy and radiation in 2008.

He fought to maintain his health by walking and swimming, also ever mindful of the benefits of beer and fishing. Only in the last few months was he unable to exercise for lack of energy and shortness of breath. He died at home, with his family and at peace. His family offers special thanks to Hospice of Kitsap County.

An exhibit of his art is planned for later this summer.

Arrangements are by Cook Family Funeral Home. An online guest book is at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.