Obituary of Robert Murray Lyons

Robert (Bob) Murray Lyons,

Passed away peacefully in Regina, Sk. December 23, 2017 after a long illness. Born in Rosetown Sk. April 26, 1928 to Ethel May and John Albert Lyons, and raised on a farm near Sovereign Sk. Dad was predeceased by his parents, sisters Eileen (George) Chamberlain, Joyce (Robert) Carmichael, Elizabeth, brothers Tom (Jennie) Bill (Lillian) and grandson Robert Donald Lyons. Bob is survived by his loving wife Velma of 62 years, the true love of his life, and children Jack (Judy), Jim, Don (Janeva), Dale and Bill, grandchildren Emily, Colleen, Katherine & Mathew and many nieces and nephews. Bob cherished family above all else and was always there to help whomever, wherever and whenever help was needed. He was so proud of his grandchildren and loved their visits and stories about what was going on in their lives. Bob always treated people with great kindness and respect and led by example. Even as he struggled his last few weeks he was always able to get a few words out to tell mom he loved her on her daily visits. Even in pain, he greatly appreciated the care-givers at Wintergreene Estates and was quick to thank them daily for their endless efforts to care for and help make him comfortable. Besides family, his passions were flying in his early days along with fishing and the outdoors. He was a leader in his chosen profession of refrigeration and air conditioning. Bob and his partners built Refrigeration Installations Ltd. into one of the largest refrigeration contractors in Western Canada with his expertise sought across Canada well into his retirement years. He contributed greatly to the Refrig. & A/C apprenticeship advisory board provincially and industry associations both provincially and nationally. Bob was a long time member and past president of the Executives Association of Regina, founding member of RSES Regina Chapter and member of ASHRAE-Regina Chapter. Bob believed in giving back to the community volunteering for many causes including being an active member (since 1960) of Regina Eastview Rotary Club, whose local and worldwide charitable work he so valued.  In lieu of flowers the family would prefer you support one of dad’s following causes:             

 

Rotary Club of  Regina Eastview- REP Program, P.O. Box 1623 Regina, Sask. S4P 3C4 or The Salvation Army.

Always proud of his Irish roots, please join us in a toast and blessing to Dad and know that he’s finally free of pain and smiling down upon us.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

The family would like to thank all who went above and beyond to care for Bob during the past few difficult years including: Dr. J. Boan,  Dr. K. Ferguson,  Dr. A. Vermeulen,  Dr. Johnson and the staff of Heritage House at Wintergreene Estates. As per dad’s wishes there will be no formal service.  Dad will be cremated and interred at Regina Riverside Memorial Gardens.  Please remember Dad by this verse by Elizabeth Frye, which he carried in his wallet for many years.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.