Lynn Elizabeth Walford

1953 - 2024

Walford, Lynn Elizabeth (nee Forsyth): October 12, 1953, Quesnel, BC - March 31, 2024, Penticton, BC. It is with deepest sorrow that we announce Lynn's passing. She passed away peacefully after a short and courageous battle with cancer at Moog and Friends Hospice, Penticton BC., with her husband Tony and her daughter Julia by her side. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Moog and Friends Hospice for their compassionate care of our Lynn. Lynn was predeceased by her parents Don Forsyth in 2020 and Margaret Forsyth in 2023. She is survived by her loving family, husband Tony, daughters Julia Chandler and Marianne (Justin) Stewart. Lynn had 3 grandchildren, Gabrielle Stewart (Caio Machado) and Ian & Edith Eichinger along with a great-grandchild, Leão (Machado). Lynn will be missed by her caring siblings Lori (Don) McFadden, Dave (Carrie) Forsyth, Al (Carolyn) Forsyth, and Jan (Val) Forsyth. In addition, there are many more extended family members and numerous friends in both the Edmonton and the Penticton areas. Lynn received her Bachelor of General Studies at Simon Fraser University in 1995. Then in 2002 she was conferred the degree of Master of Education in Administration of Postsecondary Education from the University of Alberta's Department of Educational Policy Studies. Lynn retired after 26 years in the Physics Department of the University of Alberta. Lynn loved being outdoors, where she undertook numerous activities, including biking, hiking, kayaking, and camping. You would often find Lynn and Tony having a picnic at Sun-Oka Provincial Park which is a favorite of many in the Okanagan. Lynn and Tony travelled extensively around the world, loved every activity, and cherished every memory of their journey. Lynn's relaxation was playing bridge, gardening, reading, yoga and watching sports with Tony. Lynn was a central part of the life of the Oasis Church community in Penticton. Her dedication and enthusiasm for so many aspects of the congregation's life together will be greatly missed. She was their voice of conscience, helping them to be involved in issues of justice, both locally and nationally. She served as the secretary for the church's Leadership Team and she was an essential part of many of the church's other activities. This including the "Green Up Group" (working with issues of environmental justice), the Anti-Racism Passion Cluster, the Bliss Fund Congregational Development Group and a group exploring the possibility of doing a social enterprise project. Lynn participated in every aspect of congregational life: worship, studies, discussion and social gatherings. They are so grateful that they had the chance to know her and be inspired by her. Lynn also regularly volunteered at the Soupateria and was an active member of the David Suzuki Foundation, the Sierra Club, and the Council of Canadians. She was often seen on the front lines of social activism, speaking out for those who could not speak for themselves. Lynn, you were loved by many and your life was not in vain. We will miss your spirit of living, your smile, and humour. A Celebration of Lynn's very active life will be held at the Oasis United Church, 2964 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton, B.C. on June 15th, 2024 at 1:00 PM. For those who are unable to attend in person the event will also be streamed live on Zoom (email administrator@oasisunited.ca to obtain the Zoom link). In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Lynn's name to the Oasis United Church (https://oasisunitedchurch .org/donate/) or to a Charity of Your Choice.