Riverina harness racing stalwart Mr Jim Lewis passed away suddenly last Sunday afternoon.
Mr Lewis (77) was the incumbent President of the Coolamon Harness Racing Club. He had held the position since 1978 joining the Club as a member as an eighteen-year-old in 1959. His father had introduced Jim to trotting as a youth and he had dedicated his life to the sport from thereafter.
During that time, 1978 onwards, Mr Lewis had also served as a long-term President of the South-West & Riverina Association.
Up until his unexpected passing Mr Lewis was the Trial Supervisor at Coolamon each and every Sunday morning.
Mr Lewis’ other pastime was as a golfer serving as President of the Coolamon Golf Club for a period of time.
“Jim was the very essence of the foundations of our wonderful industry,” stated HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny
“A relentless contributor who didn’t seek acclamation,”
“A volunteer in every sense of the term who did all he did , and that was plenty, without a thought of recompense,”
“He worked tirelessly for the Riverina on all fronts be it administrative or through toil but in particular the Coolamon Club,”
“On the very day of his passing Jim supervised the local Trials one of his great passions.”
The HRNSW Board and Management on behalf of the entire harness racing fraternity extends its condolences to Mr Lewis’ wife Mary, his family and friends.
The funeral for Mr Jim Lewis will be held at 11am this Thursday (17th May) in St Peter’s Uniting Church, 34 Loughnan Street, Coolamon.
