Laurence "Laurie" Lyons
Posted Mar 27, 2023 | 9:49 AM
Laurie was born on March 3, 1940, in Prince Rupert, British Columbia and passed away on February 22, 2023, in Vernon, just 1 week before his 83rd birthday. Laurie will be lovingly remembered by his partner, Judy Befus; children, Natasha Befus and Todd (Jamie) Befus; and grandchildren, Ashlee, Kyan, and Abel; his sister Maureen Lyons; cousin, Luise (Wes) Pierce; along with many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Godfrey and Mary Lyons, his brother, Philip Lyons and longtime friend, John Aslin.
Growing up Laurie spent many wonderful summers with his cousin Luise at the cabins on Prudhomme Lake; learning to swim and boat. After graduating from high school in Prince Rupert in 1957, Laurie moved to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1961. After graduating he move to the Kootenays and had a job doing social work. After a few years he went to work for the Workers’ Compensation Board as a rehabilitation consultant. He moved to the Okanagan in late 1980s and continued working for the WCB until his retirement in 1997. After retirement, him and Judy travelled the world, with some of their trips taking them to New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Peru, Ecuador and Galapagos Islands; Australia; Africa; and many, many winters in Palm Desert, California.
Some of Laurie’s favourite pastimes were downhill skiing (trips to mountains in Europe, Silver Star Mountain, Red Mountain and many more), playing tennis and pickleball at Kalamalka Country club where he was a member for many years, and doing crossword puzzles while sitting in his recliner looking out the front window at the beautiful view of Kalamalka Lake. Laurie touched the lives of so many people and will always be remembered for his witty sense of humor (that sometimes only he got).In respecting Laurie’s wishes, he was cremated, and a celebration of his life will take place this summer. The family wants to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Woods, the staff of Vernon Jubilee Hospital 7th floor and 2 West, for taking such wonderful care of Laurie.
Funeral arrangements have been made with Pleasant Valley Funeral Home. 4303 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon, BC V1T 4M4. 250-542-4333
