In what will prove to be a popular choice, Frank Lewis was named Thursday as the province’s incoming lieutenant-governor.
Mr. Lewis has lots going for him when it comes to fitting in as the new tenant at Fanningbank, the official residence of the Queen’s representative on Prince Edward Island. He is friendly, energetic, well connected, a believer in lending a helping hand and a lover of all things Prince Edward Island.
In an interview shortly after getting the golden handshake from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, it was obvious Mr. Lewis was a proud man.
“It's quite an honour for somebody that came up through the road that I came up through. I started from very humble beginnings. This is a very high honour…”
Although Thursday’s photo op in Ottawa included the prime minister, Governor General David Johnston makes the actual appointment on the advice of the PM. The prime minister said he consulted with Premier Robert Ghiz and Opposition Leader Olive Crane before selecting Mr. Lewis.
Mr. Lewis is well known on Prince Edward Island from his high-profile involvement in radio. He began his career at CFCY in Charlottetown in 1966. After his retirement, Mr. Lewis worked as a senior adviser for NewCap Radio and in 2006 he was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
He has always been involved in all aspects of the Island community, from arts and culture, to sports, to fundraising charitable causes.
National Revenue and Egmont MP Gail Shea said Mr. Lewis has a distinguished record of service to the community. Premier Robert Ghiz said he is a man who has always had a keen interest in Prince Edward Island and the lives of Islanders.
In the interview he made after the appointment, Mr. Lewis was quick to mention his wife, a popular lady herself.
“I'm ready to serve in that position as is my wife Dorothy. We will serve with energy and enthusiasm as I've done in everything I've done."
Dorothy Lewis is well known as a supporter of good causes and for her community involvement.
Although there can only be one lieutenant-governor, it is very much a team effort since the governor’s spouse is involved in many of the activities that come with the office.
Barbara Hagerman, the Island's current lieutenant-governor, will stay on the job until Mr. Lewis is installed. That is expected to happen in the very near future, likely about two weeks.
When that happens, the province will owe a debt of gratitude to the outgoing lieutenant-governor, who was a popular governor for the past five years. She took great pride in opening Fanningbank and its grounds to the public as much as possible. Mr. Lewis hinted he will continue that trend.
“I've always been involved in the community in a large way and I would like to continue that," he said.
Mr. Lewis is as comfortable sitting around national board meetings as he is sitting around fishing holes or the 19th hole at golf courses. He is a man who lives life to its fullest. The role of Prince Edward Island lieutenant-governor is in good hands.
