Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas LYALL Obituary
LYALL, Thomas Jack
Age 73, passed away on December 31, 2011. He was born in Las Vegas, NV on February 10, 1938, to Thomas and Cathryn Lyall. Jack was raised in Old Shasta, California where he attended school in a two room school house. There were only two other boys in his class. He graduated from Shasta High School in 1955 and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1959. He was a proud Trojan and an avid USC football fan for the rest of his life.
During college, Jack worked for California Department of Forestry as a seasonal firefighter. After graduating from USC, he worked for the General Foods Corporation and for the Allstate Insurance Company. Jack, however, found his professional home in 1965 when he went to work for the California State Employees Association. Jack performed numerous jobs at CSEA but particularly enjoyed lobbying, working with the Public Employees Retirement System and representing both the California State Supervisors and the California State Retirees. He retired from CSEA in 2000, after 35 years of service.
As a young man, Jack enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing and playing the banjo. Over time, these pursuits were replaced by carving, gardening, and cooking. Growing flowers was his passion. Jack joined the Amador County Master Gardeners in 2000 and subsequently earned Master Gardener status.
Jack is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Lyall; his daughter, Kristen Lyall; his son, Greg Lyall; his daughter-in-law, Jann Lyall and his grandchildren, Jackson and Katelynn. Jack is also survived by his mother, Eleanor Lyall; his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and John Avera; his sister-in-law, Sally Marr; and his brother-in-law, Joe Payne.
A service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012, at 2:00 pm at the Fremont Presbyterian Church located at 5770 Carlson Drive. Sacramento. CA. 95819. A celebration of life will follow at the CSUS Alumni Center located on College Town Drive in the CSUS campus.
Jack was a good man who will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas LYALL
Magda Cooling
January 10, 2012
Dear Donna & Kristen: I am so sorry! Love & prayers go to you both during this difficult time.
Frank Guilelmino
January 7, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Jack was a great guy and will be missed by all
Paul Huggins
January 7, 2012
I am deeply saddened by the new of Jack's passing. Jack was a good man, friend and co-worked and boss. He surely will be missed,
it was a pleasure to work for him in ACSS.
Paul Huggins Labor Relations Rep ACSS ret.
Jackie Guthrie
January 7, 2012
Donna, So sorry for you loss.
Jackie Guthrie
Janet Sass McDermott
January 6, 2012
I worked with Jack many years ago at CSEA. In particular, I remember him as someone who would always find time to give advice and problem-sovle with less experienced co-workers.
My prayers are with your family.
Forsberg Family
January 6, 2012
Our thoughts are with the entire Lyall Family. Jack will surely be missed.
January 5, 2012
Donna and Family,
Are thoughts and prays go out to you and your family, The Duhig Family
Marilyn Hammond Phelps
January 5, 2012
Donna, Greg and Kristen - so sad and shocked to hear Jack passed away. Lyalls were our favorite neighbors. Many wonderful memories growing up. Jack looked in on our dad frequently after mom passed. Will always remember his kindness. Jack was truly a good man.
Robin Ivanoff
January 5, 2012
Jack was a well-loved friend and Amador Master Gardener that always had a smile and quick wit. His thoughtful comments and suggestions were appreciated by his many constituents. He will be sorely missed, but remembered always. "He who plants a garden plants happiness." (Chinese Proverb)
January 5, 2012
Donna, Greg, Kristen and family, we are saddened to hear about Jack's passing. Pam and I have great memories of Jack from the Annual Green Family Reunions.
Ben and Pam Maestas
Pat/Larry Andreuccetti
January 5, 2012
We are so very sorry that Jack has passed away. We didn't even know he was that ill until we attended Irv's services just before the New Year.
Donna and family, we know how much you'll miss this guy and know that there must be so many wonderful memories to share with each other. It's always the wonderful memories that can get us through the rough times when we lose someone we love so much.
You're all in our thoughts and prayers,
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas LYALL's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas LYALL
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas LYALL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
