Today a long-standing business in Killarney celebrates serving Westman for over 70 years.

The history of Lewis & Jones Group truly started back in the 1930’s when Killarney had two insurance agencies through Portage la Prairie Mutual Insurance with Archie Currie at the helm, and Wawanesa Mutual Insurance operated by agent Doug Chapman.

Many changes occurred in various areas, including changing hands, changing names and changing locations. However, Lewis & Jones recognize when Cyril Baker was appointed as a local agent for Portage Mutual and Baker Agencies was officially established in 1946.  Mr. Baker was a Canadian Forces vet of WWII with the Royal Canadian Air Force who moved from Teulon, Manitoba to establish Baker Agencies in Killarney. And today, 70 years, later Lewis & Jones Group celebrate those 70 plus years of continual service to the community of Killarney, and surrounding area.

The celebration is three-fold. Co-owner David Jones says they want to thank the many people who have been with them through the years. The day also celebrates Terry Lewis and his 40 years of service in the insurance business, as he settles into his recent retirement. As well, the day officially welcomes Rob McDonald and Curtis Dickson into partnership and more management roles.

Terry Lewis began his career in the insurance business 40 years ago, joining his father, Norman Lewis at N.H. Lewis Agencies.  It was 1976 and Terry had graduated from high school just two years prior. That same year David Jones, 17 and fresh out of high school, was asked to join Baker Agencies on July 2nd, also 40 years ago.

David tells the story of his beginnings in the insurance industry, which started with an encounter with Cyril Baker’s son and partner, Jim.

As years continued and changes and expansion in different areas of service came to both businesses, David Jones and Terry Lewis decided to join their businesses in partnership.  In 1998 Baker & Jones Agencies and N.H. Lewis Agencies merged into one company, Lewis & Jones Group Ltd.

David says as the whole industry was changing, merging the two agencies together was a win-win for everyone.

A definite key to success for any business is to have a great staff that is personable and professional. David Jones attributes the success of their company to a few reasons; having friendly and professional staff is certainly one of them.  

“We’ve always been really proud of everybody that we’ve hired and who works here. We’ve tried to instill in them that they’re their customers and not just the company’s customers. And that shows. We’ve always hired people who get along really well with people.

He adds, one of his philosophies has always been to hire people smarter than me, which has worked well.

However, another key element to the Lewis & Jones Group strategy for a successful future is succession. Currently they staff 15 members who are trained in specific fields of expertise, but always keeping succession in mind.  Jones says right from the beginning, succession has made transition to the next generation and stage of expansion more seamless.

Of the challenges through the years, technology has played its part in the great many changes.  From MPIC and photo driver’s licensing to policy renewals, technology is a factor of change.


The success and story of Lewis & Jones has a nice twist of fate when the agency won the Lotto 6/49 in 2001 in a staff lottery pool.  The $1,005,279.00 win was a great surprise!  David shares that story.

Lewis & Jones Group wishes to thank their customers in the Westman area for allowing them to continue to provide Service, Protection and Peace of Mind throughout the past 70 plus years.

For more information on home, farm and travel insurance, real estate and investment advice, visit their website at www.lewisandjonesgroup.com