Obituary: Gerry Lewis – college counsellor and Lib Dem politician
A former Liberal Democrat politician who spearheaded college counselling services has died at the age of 93.
Gerry Lewis supported thousands of staff and students during his time at Dudley College, where he developed and expanded a counselling service.
A committed Liberal, he was honorary president of the Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen Lib Dems.
He stood for Parliament on several occasions, most recently in Dudley North in 2005 when he came third behind Ian Austin MP.
Mr Lewis was born on March 17, 1926, Wiston, Haverfordwest, Wales, the second son of Thomas John and Theresa Mary Lewis.
As a child, he contracted tuberculosis and for many years was confined to a sanatorium.
His path into politics was inspired by former Liberal Party leader Jo Grimond, who he met and campaigned with as a student at Aberdeen University.
After gaining his degree, he continued his studies in Queens University, Belfast, gaining a post-graduate qualification in social work.
He met Ann and the pair married in 1974 and moved to Dudley, where Mr Lewis was appointed as student counsellor at Dudley College of Technology.
Over 18 years at the college, he developed and expanded the counselling service to include staff, and was given the position of college counsellor.
To this day he is still remembered with gratitude and affection by the many students and colleagues he helped and supported.
Mr Lewis first stood for Parliament in the late 1970s. He became chairman of the Dudley Liberal Party and went on to stand for various seats across the borough.
As a member of the Racial Equality Council, the Community Relations Council, and a governor on the Citizen's Advice Bureau, he was very active in the local community of Dudley.
He was also a member of the Friends of Dudley Castle.
Mr Lewis died on October 10 at Russells Hall Hospital, with Ann by his side.
He is survived by Ann, his brother John, nephews, nieces and cousins, who remember him for his generosity, his kind and compassionate spirit, and his lifelong willingness to help those in need.
A funeral service will be held for Mr Lewis on October 28 at 1.30pm at Gornal Wood Crematorium.
Family flowers only, but donations may be sent to Amnesty International via: Dainty & Downing (Dudley) 89-91 Dixon’s Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 7DJ.
