Saskatchewan's farming community is mourning the death of Senator Todd Lewis, who died on Friday at the age of 65.
Since the news broke over the Saskatchewan Day long weekend, tributes and condolences have been made on social media, from federal and provincial politicians to farmers and friends who knew Lewis personally.
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) released a statement on social media Monday morning, saying Lewis' contribution "to APAS and the agricultural community were significant and enduring."
Lewis joined APAS' Board of Directors in 2009, then was elected President in 2016 and spent the next six years leading the organization.
"As a former APAS President, he dedicated countless hours to advancing the interests of Saskatchewan producers and strengthening the voice of agriculture at the provincial and national levels." read the statement. "Throughout his career, Todd was known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to rural communities. He generously shared his knowledge and experience with others, mentoring many current and former APAS leaders along the way."
Current President of APAS Bill Prybylski was still in a state of shock and disbelief after learning of Lewis' death early Saturday morning from Lewis' brother, Rod.
"A big man with a big heart, and it's hard to believe that he's not with us anymore," said Prybylski. "I got a call from Todd's brother just to let me know, and Rod recognizes how important Todd was to APAS. He wanted to make sure that we heard it firsthand."
Prybylski was a Vice-President nearly a decade ago under Lewis' leadership "and certainly learned a lot about leadership from Todd and just the way he handled himself and the way he handled other people and other issues." he said.
The last time he was with Lewis was in mid-July in Halifax where the Canadian Federation of Agriculture was holding meetings alongside the annual meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers.
"I had a good visit with Todd and his wife, Terry. We spent some time together, shared a few laughs, solved some of the world's problems over an old-fashioned or two, and yeah, left Halifax expecting to meet up with him again in the near future. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen." Prybylski said.
Lewis had the ability to take charge of a room "whether he meant to or not", noted Prybylski, sharing an example of a meeting in Ottawa where Lewis was giving a presentation.
"He wasn't getting the attention of the people around the table and he pounded his fist on the table and there was books flying and computers falling and he got their attention. But that was just his way of saying that enough is enough, we need to get down to business here." he recalled.
On a personal note, Prybylski has "a lot of good memories and a lot of pictures with Todd and his wife, Terry."
"My wife and I have spent quite a bit of time with them over the last couple of years. So just the memories that we've created will last for a long time and certainly appreciate having those times together."
"A great guy"
The Chair of the Wheat Growers Association was also shocked to learn of Todd Lewis' passing from social media.
Daryl Fransoo said he's crossed paths with Lewis often over the years, going back to his involvement with APAS' mentorship program, where he first got to know him.
"One of the things that he taught me, and we should all take a lesson from, is to treat people with kindness. He was just a kind gentleman," said Fransoo. "He really fought for Saskatchewan producers and Canadian agricultural producers. Most of all, he was just a kind, gentle person. He looked out for everyone and he looked out for everyone's best interests before his own."
Fransoo said he and Lewis would talk to one another about various agriculture issues and while sometimes their politics were different, Lewis would always look "to find that middle ground and find what works best for Saskatchewan producers.
The last time Fransoo spoke to Lewis was in Ottawa before Parliament rose for the summer break.
Fransoo will remember Lewis as "a great mentor and a great friend, and a great friend to agriculture in Saskatchewan that will be greatly missed."
"A man of principles"
One quality that stood out with Todd Lewis was his availability, whether for politicians, fellow farmers, or members of the agricultural media.
Former 620 CKRM Ag News Director Jim Smalley interviewed Lewis frequently during his career. Smalley said Lewis was always willing to chat about any topic.
"He'd answer his phone on the tractor, on the combine, you know, the combine running in the background, and we'd be doing an interview. So that's what I really remember. The accessibility was just superb, because then it gets the whole thought of what the farm community is thinking," Smalley said.
"And Todd, as you know, not just was a farm leader, but he also became involved heavily in the Senate. And there's nothing better than putting a Saskatchewan farmer in the Senate to let those people know what it's like out West and what our opinions are and what our thoughts are." Smalley added of Lewis' time in Ottawa.
The last time Smalley talked to Lewis was in December at APAS' 25th Anniversary.
He will remember Lewis as "a man of principles, good farm leader, and that he will be missed."
Funeral details
According to the obituary page of Todd Lewis on the Arbor Memorial website, the funeral is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at 10 a.m. from the Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery in Regina.
At the bottom of the page, people can share condolences and memories in the guestbook or make a donation towards a USask memorial scholarship made in his honour.
