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1933 William 2022

William (Wj) Joseph Lyons

July 8, 1933 — December 11, 2022

With saddened hearts , we announce the passing of William (W.J.) Joseph Lyons, on December 11, 2022, at the age of 89 years.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18) Although this truth is given to us in God’s word and was at the forefront of our minds while we watched dad suffer through life recently, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother and friend William Joseph Lyons (Joe) on December 11, 2022, at the age of 89.

Joe was the eldest of 8 children born to John & Lilly Lyons and was raised in Nipawin Saskatchewan along with his siblings: Murray, Dorothy, Phillip (PJ), Blake, Keith, Wayne and Janet (Jane). Ma and Pop Lyons instilled the strong work ethic and determination which continued to be of utmost importance to him throughout his life.

Joe met his soul mate Florence Norene Salisbury “Noreneee” and they married on a very snowy May 4, 1955.  Joe and Norene raised a family of 7 children in Nipawin & Unity, Saskatchewan. He is survived by his seven children:   Linda Stevens (Glenn), Diane Carriere (John), Paul (Bernice), Mark, Glen (Shelley), April Gravelle (Stefane) & Neil (Erin Layton).  Joe is predeceased by his wife Norene who passed away just one week prior, December 3, 2022, their love “as strong as death” (Song 8:6-7)

After completing high school in Nipawin Joe landed a job with Canada Post in his hometown and enjoyed working with his coworkers and friends in the community. Toward the end of his career, he decided to move to greener pastures and transferred to Unity as Postmaster where he was employed until the time of his “official retirement”. Throughout Joe’s time with the Corporation there was no sitting around idle in the off hours as there were businesses to be run and other jobs to tackle. Joe spent much of his spare time working in the air services industry doing books and helping to move along day-to day business operations (Nipawin Air Services, Northeastern Airways, Lyons Aero). He had a strong passion for flying and airplanes and possibly may have been a commercial pilot if it wasn’t for that color defection which kept his landing gear set at Canada Post.

One of his retirement gigs included contract work as a trainer at postal outlets set up in pharmacies, convenience stores in rural and remote communities. To many, dad was known as a patient and respectful teacher, friend, father, and helper. He was an early adopter of new technologies as they became available which also helped hone his professional shopping skills. Joe loved to shop… palm pilots, bag phones, cell phones, computers, printers, food, household items, airplane parts, etc.

Dad was that typical DIY kind of guy. Yes, this may have resulted in a temporary neighborhood power outage… but he always strived to do it “to Code” and “do it right”.  Joe shared his formal bookkeeper training and self-taught knowledge and skills acquired over his lifetime working on countless projects with and for his family and as a volunteer in the community (i.e. church books, annual tax returns for family friends and neighbors).

Throughout his lifetime Joe enjoyed being a runner, curler, fisherman, hunter, ice-cream connoisseur and last but certainly not least lover of mom’s good home cooked meals, canning, and baking.

In the latter years when the pace slowed, dad’s walk with the Lord became much stronger. He was then able to relax and enjoy the quiet moments and simple pleasures in life such as:  watching Christian Ministry programs on TV, walking his beloved dog Callie around Diane’s acreage, going to church on Sundays with Linda, visiting with family and friends and just sitting on the deck loving the birds and flowers and appreciating the quality care he was receiving.

We are thankful that dad and mom were able to spend their last few days in this world together at Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon. Joe’s family and friends would like to give a special thanks to his health care team, particularly Diane and Linda, as well as the staff at Oliver Lodge who took such good care of “Norenee”.

A Celebration of Joe and Norene’s Lives will held at 1:00 p.m. at the Grace & Light Baptist Church (formerly First Baptist Church), 315 First Street West, Nipawin, Saskatchewan.   In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be made to: Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, Samaritans Purse or Charity of your choice.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Lyons.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William (Wj) Joseph Lyons, please visit our flower store.

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