With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Daniel Israel Kalikiano Lewis, who died on Monday, January 9th, 2023, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas at the age of 20.
A man of many names, he was affectionately known by those who loved him most as “Bear”, “Shem”, “Jimbo”, “Brother Bear”, “Mr. Bear”, “Fish”. Most of all, he was known for his fun, loving, and kind personality. Daniel was a light of love and joy to all who knew his prevailing sense of humor, his ear-to-ear grin, his uplifting laugh that was shared so freely, and the love that he made sure to express often, never missing a day to tell his mom how much he loved her.
Born in Carson City, Nevada on September 2nd, 2002, Daniel was adopted by his parents, Rochelle and Israel Lewis and shared a loving home with his siblings and many pets. He attended Seeliger Elementary School, Eagle Valley Middle School, and graduated from Carson High School in 2021. He was passionate about music and excelled as a baritone saxophone player in the Jazz and Marching bands. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Army and served his country as a US Army 88m Motor Transport Soldier. He was a courageous, hardworking, and dedicated soldier who was loved by his peers and officers alike. He loved to read, to write, to play games, and most of all, to be around his family. He was a man of God who read the Bible in devotion from the day he could read until the day he passed over.
Daniel will be deeply missed by so many who loved him in his family, community, and battalion. In heaven, he will await the arrival of his devoted parents, Israel and Rochelle Lewis, his brothers Ryan Hoskins and Ikela Moniz-Lewis, his sisters Jodee Moniz, Nolani Thompson, and Maluhia Lewis, and many cherished aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Daniel never missed an opportunity to tell those he loved just how much they meant to him. In every hello he shared his chuckling laugh. In every goodbye he said “I love you.” And nearly every moment in between was filled with a smile that would light up the room. He had a natural gift in being freely himself and not being concerned about what others thought about him. Through his deep laugh, redating smile, and occasional moonwalk out the door, he lived as a consistent reminder to enjoy life and take it lightly.
To his fellow soldiers, he was a courageous brother in arms who took great pride in his service. To his younger sisters, he was a loving older brother who was sure to always have their back. To his older siblings, he was one of our best buds, and joy to call our brother. To his entire family, he was someone we are exceedingly proud of. And to his parents specifically, he was a true gift from God. And to all who had the opportunity to know him, he was a loving, happy, young man.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 27th, 2023, at Walton’s Funeral Home in his hometown of Carson City, Nevada. All are invited to join his family and friends in celebrating his life well lived, while sharing his favorite snacks: hot chocolate and donuts.
Though his time on this earth was short, Daniel was a kind, caring, and deeply loved soul whose smile will forever radiate our memories, and who’s laugh will forever echo in our hearts. May the light he brought to the world be of comfort for all those who mourn his passing, and may he rest in eternal peace.