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October 29, 1929 - August 31, 2020
October 29, 1929 - August 31st, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Donald (Don) Lanyon, 90, on Monday, August 31st, 2020, at his home after a short illness. Our Dad was born in Radway, Alberta on October 29, 1929 and was one of ten children born to Sarah and Paul Lanyon. The Lanyon family moved to Courtenay in 1938 with Dad attending schools in Courtenay and Cumberland. This is when he soon developed a love for academia. Dad married our mom, Beverly Lapp on February 27th, 1954 and together they had four children. After working in many manual jobs like logging and meat cutting Dad saved up enough money to enter the University of Victoria for teacher training. After receiving his degree in 1960 Dad was hired by the Courtenay school district where he worked until his retirement in 1992. Always a community minded man, Dad devoted years of volunteer time to the Courtenay planning committee, Curling bonspiels and the Prostate awareness group as well as countless hours to other groups. Dad was an avid gardener and was always working on his land, even creating a 'forest walk' through the trees on his property. Camping with family and exploring nature were great passions for Dad, as well as hosting a family BBQ every year on his property where family and friends could catch up and enjoy a summer feast. Dad was predeceased by mom in 2005. He is lovingly remembered by his brother George, (Kathy), sons Phil, (Lisa), Brent, (Diane) and daughter Judy, (Jody) and his faithful dog Jenny. Dad will be missed by his grandchildren, Teresa, (Leon), Paul, (Nikki), Rebecca, (Nicki) Courtenay, (Judah), Jordan, (Alyssa), Shauni and Taylor and his great grandchildren, Abby, Jackson, Emersyn, Lucy and Elianna. He is fondly remembered by mom's sisters Muriel and Doreen, (Evaldo) and brother Allen, (Kathleen) and his extended family and friends.
We would like to offer a special thanks to his home care workers and Dr. Tyler Falk who cared for him with professionalism and dignity. A memorial will be held in late October to honour his memory. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in dad's memory to the BC Cancer Society.



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