Obituary of George Scott Lyster

George Lyster, at the age of 93, passed away peacefully with family at his bedside and in the good care of the Santa Maria staff where he had lived for the past 3 years. George was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Bertha (nee Legaarden); brothers, Mack and Larry; and sister, Jean (Lorne) Powell. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Don (Marion); sister, Shirley Anne (Keith) McLean; sisters-in-law, Terry and Pat; children, Myrna (Barry) Thuen, Ed (Nancy), Jack (Linda), Joan (Wayne) Stock, Roy (James); grandchildren, Kelly, Kris (Sheri), Sarah (John), Brogan, Sammy, Clark, Amy, Megan (Mark), Kelsey (Greg), Ryan, and Shawn; and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Selina, and Connor. The eldest of six children of Chet and Molly, George was born at Cabri, Saskatchewan, where they farmed then relocated to Millerdale before returning to the family homestead farm near Abernethy in 1929. George married Bertha Legaarden in 1941, at which time he was working at Reliance Grain Company in Abernethy. After military service in Canada (1943-45), he worked for the Western Grain Company in Abernethy until 1947 before venturing into small business, briefly owning first a furniture store and then a hardware store where he also conducted bulk fuel business. George and Bertha moved to Regina in 1953 where he began his career as an insurance agent with McCallum Hill and later with L. E. Yingst, and then as manager of the Insurance Agents Association of Saskatchewan. George turned his woodworking hobby into a part-time business during his early retirement years, refinishing furniture and building toys and cabinets. He liked to hunt and fish, not just for the sport but for the camaraderie and outdoor scenery. George and Bertha traveled throughout North America to see the sites and, more importantly, to stay in touch with family and friends. He was involved in St. Peters Anglican Church with his young family and took an active role in the Scouting movement. George will be sadly missed and dearly remembered for his quick wit, sage advice, and strong family/community involvement. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday October 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK with Reverend Noreen Powell officiating. A private family interment will be held at Riverside Memorial Park following the service and reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Maria or a charity of ones choice. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com