Sources:  CNN, Honolulu Star Advertiser

John Clinton Lewis, CNN Asia’s first correspondent and fomer East-West Center Media Specialist, was described by colleagues as a “consummate journalist.” Lewis died Thursday July 29th, 2010 at 63 years of age. Lewis joined CNN Asia just two weeks after the start of the station in 1980. He helped open bureaus in Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, New Delhi and Jakarta, Indonesia.

He spent 18 years in Tokyo supervising news coverage of the region as a senior producer. After Japan he was relocated to CNN in Atlanta, where he worked as a senior international assignment manager.

Lewis was the recipient of two Emmys, one for his coverage of the 1987 worldwide “Black Monday” stock market meltdown and the other for his piece on Tiananmen Square.

Lewis moved to Hawaii in 2005 and became the East-West Center Media Specialist. He spent his last 3 years as an account supervisor at Communications Pacific. “He always saw the humor in everything,” said Communications Pacific Chief Executive Officer Kitty Lagareta. She met Lewis six years ago as a volunteer at the East-West Center. “He was a great mentor to all people and a kind, giving person.”

Lewis’ memorial service was held on Wednesday August 11th, 2010 at Nuuanu Memorial Park at 5 p.m in Honolulu, Hawai’i. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. To donate, call 800-628-0028 or visit the ASPCA website.

Links:

• Honolulu Advertiser: Hawaii Kai resident was a CNN pioneer
• CNN: John Lewis, the man who defied Tiananmen officials