Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

I met Doug though Pat Patel about 8 years ago. I got to know Doug alot better with helping produce Skaterfest. I felt honored to be asked to help produce the event.

At that time, I got to know Doug a little better and I got to see what the real Doug was all about.

The most lasting impression on me was the day I stopped by the shop and told Doug that I was going to get into the marine business. As he was working in an engine compartment he gave me advice for a half hour as to why I made a good / bad decision. (hahaha) It was a conversation that I will always remember. He was truely sincere.

I am also proud that the NJPPC was able to have Doug & Leeanne attend our 2002 winter banquet to receive the "NJPPC Inspiration Award" for their courageous battle.

Doug will be truely missed. I wish him safe travel to a much better place.

God Bless.

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

:( :(

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

:( Rest in Peace Doug

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

My thoughts and prayers.

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Godspeed Doug.

Thoughts and prayers to the family... :( :(

-Mark-

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family

RIP Doug

Sean and Terra

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Rest In Peace

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

We are so sorry to hear this news. Our condolences go out to Leeanne, family and friends. RIP :(
Dan & Vicki

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Condolences to the family

God Speed

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

At Mark Lavin's grave, a marker has an inscription that reads :

The battle over,

the valiant effort complete,

the warrior rests

Semper Fi




These words have been going around in my head for the last few hours.

They apply to Doug as well.

God speed my friend.

T2x

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Doug Lewis was an inspiration to us all. Visiting Doug was always a positive experience.
He encouraged me to reach for my goals. We will miss the knowledge and passion he had for racing and the boating industry. May he rest in peace.

Darren Luhrs

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

I am sorry for your loss Leanne. May he suffer no more and rest in eternal peace.

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

The Man in the Middle.......................

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

A viewing will be held on Friday night 7pm to 9pm @

Ely Funeral Home
3316 State Route 33 Neptune, NJ 07753-3441
Phone:(732) 918-6650.

Here is Doug doing what he loved best:

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Doug’s battle was long and tiring. Doug and Leeanne showed true courage. R.I.P. You will be missed.

Philip and Kim

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Doug originally built the motors in my boat back in 1996 before he was over at Lightning Jacks. I logged on over 400 hrs on those motors without any problems. When I tore them down to freshen them up there was absolutely nothing wrong with them. Even 5 years after he built the motors he was always helpful when I called to ask questions.

A few years ago I spent some time with him in the dyno room with a friends motor and I learned more from him in a few hours than I did in a few years on my own!

God Bless

Panther

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

This is important.

The Memorial Service for Doug will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday August 14th 2004.

This is two weeks from now and will give all who might be traveling a chance to make appropriate plans.

All are welcome to the viewing this Friday as well........

T2x

Re: fairwell to Doug Louis
 

Rest in peace Doug.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

For those who weren't lucky enough to meet him, here is a story that was done back in 1997 on Doug:

INDUSTRY PROFILE - Doug Lewis, Professional Marine Racing
Offshore Racing Magazine - 1997
An international household name, Professional Marine Racing, PMR, is one of the foremost custom marine engine builders in the world. Bearing the name Pro 1 engines, their motors are designed to withstand the most grueling uses under extreme conditions using the most modern technology available. "Our slogan Miles Ahead of the Competition has quickly become an offshore racing standard. Racing isn't just our sideline but the basis upon which our reputation has been founded," stated Douglas Lewis, owner of Professional Marine Racing.

"Believe it or not, not too long ago (within the past year) we tallied up all the boats that raced the USORA circuit only and discovered that of the 100 boats that were registered, we had something to do with 75 of them at one time or another - ie, rigging/re-rigging, engine, maintenance, troubleshooting, team member etcetera," continued Lewis. Some of the boats running out of PMR include: FOUNTAIN (IN CONTEMPT), TEAM FOUNTAIN, BUCKSHOT, GREAT ADVENTURE, TERMINATOR, INSANITY, TEAM PROGRESSION, LIGHTNING JACK'S and PRIORITY.

Amongst PMR's most recent achievements, two of their boats, LIGHTNING JACK'S and IN CONTEMPT, competed in the SBIP Argentina Extravaganza in January. "LIGHTNING JACK'S finished first in Open class and IN CONTEMPT, raced by Lewis along with Patrick Patel, was leading the Modified class until they were sideswiped sustaining a hit bad enough to break a gas tank and force them out of the race.

After coming home from Argentina, Lewis left for North Carolina to participate in the APBA Kilo Runs held at the Fountain factory in February. He and Patel joined forces again setting a kilo record of 107+ mph in Manufacturers V in a 42-foot Fountain powered by PMR's Pro 1 engines.

The following Sunday, Lewis was off again, this time to Dubai where PMR has another shop that maintains several race boats in the Middle East. Here he raced the boat SAFEENAT NOOH, translated NOAH'S ARK, which is the name of their client's company, an international Mercedes-Benz dealer. After placing second in a field of 25, Lewis is looking forward to the UIM championship.

Lewis first become involved in offshore powerboat racing in 1975 when he did research and development on a 24-foot Superboat with Gale Banks turbo-charged motors and sterndrives. Because money was an object, and there was not enough to support his hobby and his new family, Lewis decided to leave offshore and try his luck on the more affordable drag boat racing circuit. During his dragboat racing years, he designed, built, and maintained his own small block, alcohol injected engine and set the fastest small block record of 129 mph with 8.31 second et. in the quarter-mile using an 18-foot flat bottom boat. Today, that same 129 mph is used as the East Coast Standard.

In 1987, Lewis again got involved in offshore powerboat racing as a throttleman/driver/crew chief. When the dry spells came in between races, he officiated as a certified APBA referee and inspector where needed. Lewis and team KONKRETE KAT won the 1988 World Championship in Pro Stock during their first year on the circuit. In 1990, after two years of offshore racing experience, Lewis decided to take his knowledge, love of boats and racing, and form Professional Marine Racing so his skills could be utilized by all types of boating enthusiasts.

Lewis subsequently amassed five world, six national, five North American, and five Northeast division championship titles in offshore racing during the past nine years in four different classes. His list of achievements has generated so many new ideas in boat rigging technology that it has caught the attention of Mercury Marine, Sutphen Marine and Douglas Marine. Lewis has done extensive research and development since 1990 on the Mercury Bravo sterndrive and is highly respected in the boating industry and sought after for consultation and troubleshooting purposes. He is widely known on the race circuit for his innovative rigging and engine building designs and techniques.

A close knit, five man team, PMR operates out of a new 20,000 square foot marina on Route 70 East in Brick, NJ. Their expertise includes services ranging from custom boat rigging/re-rigging and marine engine building/modifications for both inboard or outboard engines to lab analysis of fuel and oil for internal engine troubleshooting, and from custom part design/fabrications and complete dyno and flowbench services to in-water testing, winterization and storage.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

I had the pleasure of meeting Doug back in the late 90's on one of my many drives to NJ looking at used boats. He spent at least 2 hours showing and teaching me about Sutphen boats and how well they are constructed. Got to check out Buckshot too which was really cool after seeing it race so many times. Doug was just one of those rare individuals who made you feel like you had been friends for years. After reading this post I went out to my truck and grabbed the business card he gave me when we met. I kept it plain sight so I could remember to say prayers for him and Leanne during their battles with this horrible disease. Although he will be greatly missed by many, I am certain Doug is in a better place now.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Our condolences to his family & friends.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Leeanne and Family, OPBRA and all of our members we send our Condolence and our Sympathy.Doug was a very special person.He will be in our hearts forever.Doug Rest in Peace.
Debbie Fleischman/OPBRA President

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

There was a time when Doug was out in Seattle getting his transplant. Something I am sure he would much rather not think about.
I looked to him for help when I was asked to test run a 28 Skater. Having never run one before, Doug had given me all the details from his laptop while at the hospital. At least for a moment, he got to think about boats while he was getting his treatment...

Here are the 2 emails I got back from him. Just to show how this man truely was in helping someone out:

Hi Tim:

In response to your questions, here we go!

The very first thing you need to do is check the rigging. The gear cases should be spinning out, the prop shaft should be 1.5 inches above bottom of boat on centerline. The tiebar should be adjusted so that there is 1/8 to1/16th of an inch toe in at the prop shafts. No air in the steering. The rocker switches: for trim when you push them up the drive go out and down they come in. You want the tunnel tab to come up when you press the "up" side of the switch. You need indicator marks for the drives when level to the bottom of the boat and tunnel tab level with the bottom of the boat.

When first testing, put 30 or 32" props on. Motors won't rev up until after 10 hours of break in. The max. RPM after break in is 8200 ( I believe). Motor temp. during wide open should be 140, may climb to 160. If it gets to 180, it's too hot.

Water press. should be 12 to 14 lbs. as long as the gauge line is tied into the center of the exhaust plate (This must be checked).

As far as running the boat, it should need very little positive trim after motor height is set. The tunnel tab is big enough to get you in trouble...BE CAREFUL! Initial testing should be with the tunnel tab level or up. After break in, you can start using tunnel tab and possibly a 34 in. prop. Combination of tunnel tab and props should equal 116 to 118 mph.

That's all I can think of right now. If you have any more questions, fire away! Good luck and BE CAREFUL.

Doug

Tim:

Let me know what the boat does during break in and MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FULL AIR SYSTEM! I know the importance of this...don't leave the dock without it.

Keep me advised. Thanks.

Doug

We miss you Doug.... :(

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

our regards to freinds and family,Offshore addiction racing family!

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Rest in Peace Doug, You deserve it.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

That email that Sharkey posted is interesting. Two or three years ago, Doug was testing a new 43' Skater with Pat Patel in the bay at around 160mph. He had wired the tunnel tab button backwards. The boat was getting to light so he thought he was bringing the tab up to settle it down, when in reality he was pushing it down more. Eventually, the boat did a blow over at 160mph. Luckily both Doug and Pat came away unharmed, but as Doug said in his email to Tim, wear full time air and make sure everything works properly before it hits the water.

That's my favorite Doug Lewis war story.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

RIP & Condolences. :( :(

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Ron:

You're getting old......... That incident occurred 7 years ago, but it does point out that Doug learned his lessons well and shared them freely.

T2x

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Sharkey very nice post . My Best Regards to All.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

I know Doug had a lot of good friends here on the board.
R.I.P Doug, My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

DOUGLAS K. LEWIS, 51, of TOMS RIVER
Published in the Asbury Park Press 7/29/04

DOUGLAS K. LEWIS, 51, of TOMS RIVER, died Tuesday, July 27, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. Born in Biloxi, Miss., he grew up in Woodbury and resided in the Shore area for the past 15 years. He was the owner of Professional Marine Racing of Brick. He was a seven-time World Power Boat Champion. He also owned and operated a shop for race boats in the Persian Gulf for several years.
He was predeceased by his mother, Joan Kramer Lewis. Surviving are his wife, Leeanne Carpenter Lewis; two daughters, Lisa Potter of Woodbury, and Kelley Schemeley of Swedesboro; a son, Daniel P. Lewis of Woodbury; his father, Douglas Harvey Lewis of West Deptford; four grandchildren, BJ, Branden, Taylor, and Brianna; two sisters, Kathleen Ward of Woodbury, and Irene Lewis of Cherry Hill; a brother, William Lewis of Yardville; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Ely Funeral Home, 3316 Route 33, Neptune. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, Hooper Avenue, Toms River. In lieu of flowers, donations to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 19607, would be appreciated.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

doug helped me build one of my first raceboats in 91. he was a good friend. he will be greatley missed. leane i wish you well.

Treadwell motorsports
Eric Treadwell

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

As I stated in the Racers Milling Area, Doug had so much information on rigging and set up stored in his head that it totally amazed me. Also as I am dead certain that when Doug arrived to the next realm that my Father was there with a nice cold drink waiting for Doug. Really going to miss You, Good
Friend!!!!

Dennis P.Tracey

John Tomlinson,Patrick Patel, and Doug Lewis

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

:( :( Rip

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

He fought the fight. I wish him and his family well. RIP

Jon

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Toughness, expertise helped boat racer win multiple championships, widow recalls


Published in the Asbury Park Press 7/30/04
By ED PRINCE
STAFF WRITER

TOMS RIVER -- In 1999, Douglas Lewis and a friend were testing a power boat that they had just outfitted for racing when a gust of wind caught the craft and flipped it. At 180 mph, the resulting crash injured Lewis's friend and almost killed Lewis, his wife, Leeanne, said yesterday.

After a hospital stay and rehabilitation, Lewis returned to his longtime passion, racing boats, and the following year throttled the same boat to victory in a competition, his wife said. It was that same tenacity that enabled Lewis win multiple power boat racing world championships and return to racing after he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent major surgery.

Lewis died Tuesday at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, at age 51 after a four-year battle with multiple myeloma. Leeanne Lewis recalled her husband's career in an interview following his death.

Lewis began his competitive career in the late 1970s with drag boat racing, but became expert in a wide variety of powerboat categories and raced throughout the United States and in the Middle East, his wife said.

A former racer herself, Leeanne Lewis said she and her husband met in 1989 while competing against each other. They were married in 1991.

"He was fierce," she said when asked what it was like to race her future husband. "He was the kind of guy that a lot of people begrudgingly respected."

What made her husband stand out -- and annoyed some competitors -- was his honesty, she said. Lewis adamantly refused to cheat by using over-large engines in his boats, instead relying on an intimate knowledge of the latest technology to squeeze as much power out of his regulation-size engines as possible, Leeanne Lewis said.

Because of his expertise, Lewis was recruited to race in the Mideast, where power boat racing was becoming popular. Operating three boats for a wealthy Mercedes Benz dealer and shipping magnate in Dubai, he spent about three months each year there from 1996 to 2001, his wife said.

But in 2000 Lewis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and aggressive form of bone marrow cancer.

In January 2001, Lewis underwent surgery to remove a femur and hip bone and replace them with internal prostheses. He resumed racing in March of that year and finished the season. But in December 2001, he was rediagnosed with cancer and in 2002 underwent chemotherapy, his wife said.

In addition to racing, Lewis also owned and operated Professional Marine Racing, a business in Brick catering to people with high-performance boats, Leeanne Lewis said. Lewis would take boat hulls provided by manufacturers and outfit them with high-power motors and other equipment, she said.

Leeanne Lewis outlined her husband's succession of world and other championships:


1989, Pro Stock Division World Championship in Konkrete Kat, serving as crew chief and throttleman. Also the same year with the same boat, he won the Northeast Division, New Jersey Governor's Cup and North American Championship.

1989, Stock World Championship in Great Adventure, serving as crew chief and throttleman. He and his crew outfitted the boat only a week before the race.

1990, Pro Stock World Championship in Insanity, serving as crew chief

1992, B Class World Championship in Buckshot, serving as crew chief and throttleman. He also won Northeast Division and National titles that year.

1994, Pro Stock World Championship in Terminator, serving as crew chief and throttleman. His team also won Northeast Division that year.

1998, Modified World Championship and Northeast Division, in In Contempt, serving as crew chief and throttleman.

1999, F-2 Division World Championship and Southeast in Team Sutphen

2000, Super V Light World Championship in Shock Wave.
In 1999, Lewis accomplished a feat never done before or since in powerboat racing, his wife said: he set two kilo (time trial) records in two different classes and then won both races, all in two days. Also that year, he was named the American Power Boat Association's Throttleman of the Year.

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Hi everyone.. I just wanted to say that it is so nice to see so many people who care and loved my dad. He was not only an awesome racer, builder, and friend to alot of people... he was an awesome father as well. I would never trade in my experiences with him for anything that could remotely be better. Boats were his passion. I grew up knowing that. When we all lived in Woodbury, at 9 o'clock at night, he was run his drag boat in the back yard.. He knew the Woodbury Police well...considering they were at our house nightly. I'm sure the neighbors loved it.. Dad had more than 9 lives.. I can remember a few of his accidents involving boats.. and he was tough as steel... how many men do you know can get metal stuck in their eye from the lathe, and after coming from the ER go back to work... or.. go back to work after having his appendix taken out and letting it get infected.. I can only hope I could become anything like my father when i'm older. I have always looked up to him.

I just wanted to thank everyone from Lisa, Danny and I for everyones concern, and prayers and well wishes. They really do mean the world to us and help us with this healing process.

Thanks again,

Kelley Lewis
R.I.P Daddy.. I love you.

Re: Farewell to Doug Lewis
 

Thank you all for your prayers and sincere condolences. I loved Doug very much and will miss him the rest of my life. During our 15 years together, we lived life to its fullest. Met and made many friends, had a lot of fun and went to a lot of places. If I had the chance to marry Doug again and knew with certainty that this destiny awaited me, I would say yes to him all over again. It was worth the trip.

I hope that you'll join me, his kids and our families on August 14 at 11 AM at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River on Hooper Avenue for Doug's Memorial Service to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers donations to the International Myeloma Foundation in his memory at 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607 would be appreciated.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,

Leeanne Lewis

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Kelly and Leeanne,

Reverend T2x "Rich Luhrs" words of wisdom last night has certainly changed alot of things for me and I am sure for many others.

Doug would want us to celebrate his life and all he has done for so many.
He has taught many of us specific things in each individual way.

He was a teacher,a hero, a man of honesty, integrity and openness, and our OFFSHORE WORLD CHAMPION!

We will never forget him and all that he has taught us.

Yes it will be tough when we stumble across a problem that needs solving, and Doug is no longer there to give us the answers. But he will still help us and guide us in his own way from above.
He will watch over us each and every time we get in our boats.

You can count on that!

From now on as Rich has said, we need to celebrate Doug's life, and live it at full throttle as Doug did. He knew no other way...

Yes Doug, you will be missed. But I will still count on you to be there for us and guide us through the unchartered waters of our futures.....

Re: fairwell to Doug Lewis
 

Rich's words of wisdom were incredible last night. They were true, funny and reminded all of us how interesting of a person Doug was.

God Bless Doug. You will be missed by many peple.