William D. “Bill” Lewis, former chairman and CEO of Southern California-based ASL Consulting Engineers who helped set the framework for the Los Angeles County drainage and flood control program still in use today, died March 16 of heart disease in Pomona, Calif. He was 86.

Joining the firm in 1953, Lewis was president from 1979 to 1990 and then chairman the following year. ASL,which grew to 230 employees and whose water-project clients included Disney Studios, Universal Studios and the San Diego County Water Authority, was acquired by Tetra Tech in 1999. 

After leaving ASL in 1991, Lewis provided forensic engineering services through his consulting firm, Forensic Concepts.

Lewis also chaired the American Council of Engineering Cos. and was president of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers.

“Bill was an exceptional leader for his firm and for the professional community," says Bartlett Patton, former COO of Kleinfelder. "He was incredibly perceptive and imaginative with clients and projects and gave generously of his time."