Mitchell Lewis Irvine, 75, passed away January 5, 2023.
Lewis lived in Sanibel, Florda and was employed for many years as a naturalist for Tarpon Bay Explorers, conducting interpretative kayak, tram and cruise tours through J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. He was keenly knowledgeable about the wildlife on Sanibel, particularly the bird life. He was an enthusiastic and talented interpreter, using not only his scientific knowledge on tours, but enlivening science with storytelling. It was this quality that made Lewis a unique interpreter, one that could engage people and encourage them to care about the place he so loved.
Lewis was, among many of his talents, an artist. He painted scenes of the place he loved and knew so much about, most strikingly the birds. A memorial exhibit of his art is planned at the Wildlife Refuge and dates are to be announced.
Lewis was born in Pennsylvania, lived in Tennessee, Washington State, New York State and, finally, Florida. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He is survived by a sister, Mary Cuffe Perez, a niece, Kimberly Cuffe Brasfield and a nephew, Tyler Irvine.
A remembrance service is being planned and the date and time will be announced once determined.
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