Lyle Andrew Richardson

April 30, 1973 to January 1, 2017

Lyle was born and raised in New Westminster and passed away with his parents at his side on New Year's Day in Langley Memorial Hospital. His leadership qualities blossomed in high school where he was very involved in school clubs, the band, and student council. He was chosen by his peers to be their valedictorian at graduation. He attended Simon Fraser University for two years where he became very involved in the Young Entrepreneurs Organization. He impressed the president and mentor of the group who offered him a position in his business firm where Lyle initially met with success. Then, very out of character, Lyle began to withdraw from family and friends and quit his job. He became very depressed and had his first psychotic break from reality, was hospitalized and diagnosed as having a schizoaffective disorder. It took a number of years and hospitalizations for Lyle to accept his diagnosis and stay on medication. In periods of his wellness he volunteered with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the B. C. Schizophrenia Society. He gave countless talks and served on panels at the Justice Institute, colleges, high schools and at mental health conventions educating people about his mental illness to help reduce its stigma.

Just over two years ago Lyle was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a very treatable form of cancer. However, Lyle chose to fight his cancer his own way rather than submit to more traditional treatments. He refused to give up hope of recovery to the very end, but the Lord knew he needed relief from the ravages of his cancer and rest from continually confronting his mental illness. The family would like to thank all the mental health workers, psychiatrists, and nurses that worked with Lyle in New West the past 20 years, and to the staff of 1 South in Langley Hospital who cared for him so lovingly during his last days. Lyle is survived by his parents Solvei and Larry, and his younger brother Wayne, as well as many aunts and uncles and cousins. A celebration of his life will take place at St. Aidan's Presbyterian Church, 7th Ave and 14th St. in New West on Saturday January 21 at 1:00p.m.