John Maib-Lewis

Our dear son John passed away in his sleep in the early morning of July 14, 2005. John was on vacation with his dad in Minnesota when our good Lord decided it was time to relieve John of his earthly health burdens. Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as a toddler and congestive heart failure in the spring of 2004, John enjoyed his life right up to the end. He had been to a baseball game with his dad and half-brother the night of his death. A spirited boy, John rarely expressed sadness or disappointment about his physical limitations.

Born October 1, 1992, Moses Lake was John's home. The neighborhood of Lakeview Terrace was his turf; and Lakeview Elementary was his heaven on earth. He attended Lakeview and Midway elementary schools.

John's favorite activities included: "anything Pokemon," going to Hastings, playing around United Methodist Church with friends, mastering video games, and having friends at the house to play, swim and eat. He was a fan of Godzilla, Elvis, and Prairie Home Companion. He loved animals — great and small, domestic and wild.

Most people will remember John cruising about town in his speedy red wheelchair. He had such a big smile on his face when he was free to roam.

His maternal grandparents, Dorothy and De Lewis of Moses Lake, his paternal grandfather, Richard Maib, his uncle Henry and godfather Terry Kast preceded John in death. His death has left a hole in the hearts of his parents, Karen Lewis and Ken Haisch of Moses Lake; Rick and Teresa Maib of Olalla; paternal grandmother Trudy Maib of Yakima; and godmother Kathy Kast of Moses Lake. His many aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and friends will miss him.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of John's Champions at Lakeview Terrace and the Moses Lake School district. We are deeply grateful for your years of advocacy, guidance, care, and instruction. To Carol Gierke - your "from the heart" care and assistance to John meant the world to him and to us. He did, and we will, forever have a special place in our hearts for you.

Our Dear John… God saw you getting tired so he closed his arms around you and whispered, "Come to me." We love you and we will miss you always.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1020 S. A Street, Moses Lake. Rev. David Daugs officiating.

In John's memory, a memorial fund has been established for enhancements to the Nature's World Wildlife Habitat — a living learning laboratory located at Lakeview Terrace Elementary School. Donations may be sent to:

Central Basin Audubon Society,

PO Box 86

Moses Lake, WA. 98837.

Margaret Schiffner, Treasurer.