UO, racing lose a friend.

Byline: Ron Bellamy The Register-Guard

Bob Lewis, who loved his wife, thoroughbred racehorses and the University of Oregon, died Friday of heart failure at his home in Newport Beach, Calif., at age 81.

With his wife, Beverly, whom he met while they were University of Oregon students after World War II, Bob Lewis owned some of racing's greatest champions, including Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm and Charismatic, and twice came close to winning the Triple Crown.

And, along with his wife, he was ardently a Duck.

Their jockeys wore the green-and-yellow colors of Oregon, and in 2001 the Lewises donated $10 million to the university for construction of a neuroscience research institute that bears their name - the Lewis Center for Neuroimaging.

In 2000, the Lewises received the UO Pioneer Award, the university's highest honor.

"Bob Lewis was extraordinarily gifted with vision, and generous in his spirit," UO President Dave Frohnmayer said Friday.

"His love for his wife, Beverly, and his family, and his affection for the University of Oregon were inspirational to all of us who witnessed the power of his example. We have lost a true and great friend."

Lewis, who grew up in southern California, enrolled at the University of Oregon and then served in the U.S. Army in World War II before returning in 1946 to complete his degree. That year, the member of the rally squad met his future wife, Beverly, class of '48, who was voted Betty Coed.

In an interview with a Register-Guard reporter in 1997, after Silver Charm won the Kentucky Derby, Lewis still referred to his wife as his "child bride."

"We met at the College Side Inn, which is no longer there, but was a favorite haunt in those days," Bob Lewis said in that interview. "I walked in with a couple of fraternity brothers of mine, and here was this very attractive and lovely young lady playing bridge with her sorority sisters.

"I punched one of my fraternity brothers and said, `I'm going to meet that young lady.' '

Some of their early dates included trips to Portland Meadows, to watch the horses run, and when they married in 1947, they honeymooned at the race tracks at Tijuana and Del Mar.

In 1956, Lewis started Foothill Beverage Co. in southern California and became one of the largest Anheuser-Busch distributors in the nation. In 1990, the Lewises bought their first two thoroughbreds. Their first Kentucky Derby winner was Silver Charm, with jockey Gary Stevens.

"To win the Kentucky Derby is the goal of every trainer, every hot-walker, every backside person," Bob Lewis told The Register-Guard then. "They may be just rubbing on a horse, or hot-walking a horse, but they wonder if they could win the Kentucky Derby."

Indeed, after winning that Derby, Lewis said: "I asked Beverly, when you plant me 6 feet under, I want on that tombstone `Loving Husband, Adoring Father, and Winner of the 123rd Kentucky Derby.'

"I mean that. It's going to be there. If I have to come back to check it, I will."

Silver Charm won the Derby and Preakness in 1997, then fell three-quarters of a length short of winning the Belmont Stakes and sweeping the Triple Crown. Two years later, the Lewises came close again with Charismatic, who won the Derby and Preakness but finished third in the Belmont after breaking a bone in his leg in the stretch.

Even after disappointing defeats, the Lewises were known for their class and sportsmanship. Lewis often used words such as ``delightful'' and ``magnificent'' when describing his feelings after races.

``Bob Lewis was not just one of horse racing's most successful and influential owners, he was also one of its most beloved, unforgettable individuals,'' said D. G. Van Clief, commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and president of the Breeders' Cup, as quoted by The Associated Press. ``His wisdom, class and character have left an indelible mark on this industry.''

Bob Baffert, who trained Silver Charm, told AP that Lewis taught him not to dwell on losses, but to look forward to the next race. When Silver Charm fell short of winning the Triple Crown, Baffert said Lewis maintained a positive attitude.

``He turned and looked at me and said, `Robert, we came close. Thank you very much,' '' Baffert said.

``He was a very gracious winner and a very gracious loser.''

The Lewises spent millions at yearling sales to build a formidable stable. They also enlisted racing's top trainers to handle their star thoroughbreds; hall of famer D. Wayne Lukas trained Charismatic.

The owners had six Eclipse Award-winning horses, and also were awarded an Eclipse of Merit in 1997 for their contributions to the sport.

In 2000, the Lewises finally won the Belmont with long shot Commendable.

Among their champions are 1995 Preakness winner Timber Country (2-year-old male champion, 1994); 1995 Santa Anita Oaks winner Serena's Song (3-year-old filly champion, 1995), Silver Charm (3-year-old champion male, 1997), Charismatic (3-year-old male champion, 1999), 2002 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Orientate (sprint champion, 2002); and BC Juvenile Fillies winner Folklore (2-year-old female champion, 2005).

Lewis, who had been in declining health for several months, was surrounded by his family when he died. Survivors include his wife, two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CAPTION(S):

Bob Lewis and his wife, Beverly, donated $10 million to Oregon. Roberto Borea / The Associated Press Bob and Beverly Lewis celebrate with jockey Chris Antley after Charismatic won the Preakness on May 15, 1999. Charismatic also won the Derby but was third in the Belmont.