Stephen Lewis, a longtime supporter and friend of McMaster University Libraries, died yesterday at age 88.
The William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections holds the archive of the renowned humanitarian, diplomat and activist.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stephen, who leaves this country and this world a better place because of his work,” said Vivian Lewis, associate vice-president and university librarian, who is unrelated to the Stephen Lewis family. “Our thoughts are with his wife, Michele, as well as his children and extended family.”
Stephen Lewis first became a part of the McMaster University family in May 25, 1979, when he was awarded an honorary degree, the first of 42 he would receive in his lifetime from Canadian and American universities.
During the convocation ceremony that day, Lewis spoke to graduates and their families with his trademark eloquence.
“This is a stunning moment of gratification for me,” he said at the 1979 event at McMaster. “Scarce to be believed that an infidel, resisting the enveloping shrouds of obscurity, can still enter the kingdom of heaven.”
In 2006, Lewis returned to McMaster, this time as the inaugural scholar-in-residence in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Forty-two years later, almost to the day of being presented with his honorary degree, the university announced Lewis’ gift of his archive to McMaster University Libraries.
“In normal circumstance, it’s the university that expresses appreciation,” Lewis said about his gift in 2021. "I’d like to say what a thrill it gives me to have McMaster’s stamp of approval. I’ve lived my adult life seeking academic legitimacy. Now, finally, it comes by way of the McMaster archives. I’m palpitating with joy.”
Stephen Lewis is a household name not only in his native Ontario, but across Canada and in many countries around the world.
Lewis was the co-founder and board co-chair of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and served as the co-director of AIDS-Free World, an international advocacy organization. His work with the United Nations spanned more than two decades. He was the United Nations secretary-general’s special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa from 2001 until 2006.
From 1995 to 1999, Lewis was deputy executive director of UNICEF at the organization’s global headquarters in New York. He was Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations from 1984 through 1988.
He was also the author of the best-selling book, Race Against Time, which came from his inspiring 2005 Massey Lectures that focused on raising awareness and promoting a message of hope during the AIDS epidemic in Africa at the time.
Lewis was leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party from 1970 through 1978, during which time he became leader of the Official Opposition.
Lewis was profoundly proud of his family, including wife and renowned journalist Michele Landsberg, and their three children, Ilana Landsberg-Lewis, Avi Lewis and Jenny Lewis. Avi made national headlines this past weekend when he was elected as the leader of the federal New Democratic Party on March 29, 2026.
David Farrar, past president and vice-chancellor of McMaster University, says he is mourning the loss of the brilliant Canadian leader and advocate.
"I was inspired by Stephen for many years," said Farrar. "His challenge to Canadians, and especially to universities, was electrifying. He believed passionately that we all have the power to make the world more just and more peaceful."
The Stephen Lewis archive is open to the public for research and study. Included in the vast collection are campaign materials, professional and personal correspondence, press releases, position papers, photographs, media clippings, and much more. A renowned orator, Lewis’ storied career is also captured in more than 1,500 individual speaking notes, as well as recorded versions of his speeches. The archive includes the papers of Stephen’s father, David Lewis, who served as the leader of the federal New Democratic Party.
To consult the Stephen Lewis archive, please email the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections at archives@mcmaster.ca in advance to schedule your visit.
