Don Lewis, a character actor who was seen at the prestigious Stratford Festival under the name Lewis Gordon, died Feb. 9, 2006, of a heart attack at age 70, according to the Canadian Press. Mr. Lewis first performed at Stratford in 1960. Using his own name, he was also a propmaker and prop designer.

"Don Lewis was one of the most beloved character actors in the Stratford Festival's long history," artistic director Richard Monette said in a statement. "He was also an artist and he brought to his characterizations the same detail he brought to his acting. He was generous of his time, supported the younger actors and had an indefatigable sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him."

The Toronto native studied at the Ontario College of Art and joined the Stratford Festival as a propmaker in 1957. He later acted in almost 100 Stratford productions over 34 seasons. His roles included Falstaff in Henry IV, Damien in Father Damien, Pompey in Measure for Measure, Boult in Pericles, the Old Shepherd in The Winter's Tale, Touchstone in As You Like It and Gremio in The Taming of the Shrew.

He also designed costumes for Stratford's Colours in the Dark(1967) and was commissioned to create murals, posters and exhibitions for the festival.

Mr. Lewis also worked at Theatre Calgary, the Shaw Festival and other theatres, and worked in design at the St. Lawrence Centre in Toronto.

A private funeral will be held in Harrington, Ontario.