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May 31, 1932 - January 15, 2025

In Loving Memory ~

With sorrow and gratitude for a long life well lived, the family of Leonard Franklin Lythgoe announces his passing on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025. Len was born to Arthur and Dalia (Del) Lythgoe in Yahk BC, where he spent his childhood along with his younger sister, Beverley.

Len spent his high school years in Nelson honing his musical skills singing with the Nelson Boys Choir and studying piano with Amy Ferguson. Graduating from high school, Len went to Normal School in Victoria and taught school for a couple of years before enrolling at the UBC for his teaching degree. It was there that Len met and married his first wife June (nee Reimer). Two children followed, daughter Shannon, and son Garnet.

After teaching for a few years, Len enrolled in Union College (now VST) and obtained his Degree in Theological Studies. Len then worked for a few years as a church musician at before returning full time to his teaching career.

In 1970 Len became the music teacher at Magee High School in Vancouver, building the music program from the ground up, and under his tutelage many of his students went onto professional careers in music. He then moved to Point Grey High School, and finished his high school teacher career at Prince of Wales High School a few years later. In 1983 he obtained his Masters in Music Education from Western Washington University.

After retiring from teaching music in the public school system, Len became a music education consultant at the University of British Columbia. While teaching, Len also continued working as a church musician in Victoria and throughout the Lower Mainland.

Len was involved in numerous other endeavours including producing and directing the North American premiere of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' in 1969, established his own music publishing business (Lenel Music Publishing), co-chaired the committee which produced Voices United, the hymn book still in use in United Churches across Canada, and as a music animateur at the World Council of Church Sixth Assembly in Vancouver in 1983. He also found time to direct numerous community choirs, including the Camerata Chorale, an earlier iteration of the Vancouver Youth Choir, and the Richmond Chorus.

One of the last projects of his musical career was to co-found the Amy Ferguson Institute (now the Echo Vocal Arts Alliance) in Nelson, BC, along with June, daughter Shannon, and several others, which ran the Nelson Summer Songfest for four years between 2001 to 2005.

After living in Nelson for a few years during this time, Len and June moved back to the Lower Mainland in 2005. When June passed away in 2006, to keep himself busy he became the Director of the Brock House Kerrisdale Seniors Choir, where he met his second wife Mary Rogers. They married in 2010, and eventually moved to a retirement community in Vernon, BC. where he lived for the remainder of his years.

In 2010, Len Lythgoe was awarded the Herbert Drost Award by the BC Choral Federation, for distinguished service and support of choral music throughout B.C., awarded to an individual who has had long-term positive effects on choral music and choirs.

Left to mourn are his wife Mary Rogers, daughter Shannon, sister Beverly, brother-in-law Don Reimer, numerous nieces and nephews, stepson Bob Rogers and his wife Ramona, as well as Chris Rogers, Tony Rogers (Beth), and step-grandchildren. Particular thanks are due Mary, Bob and Ramona Rogers for their constant care and attention during Len's last years as his health declined.

Donations in Len's memory can be made to Cascade Peaks ChamberFest for the establishment and ongoing support of a Chamber Choir Choral Program, which takes place in June of each year. Funds will be administered through the Langley Community Music School.

To donate visit www.give-can.keela.co/cascade-peaks-chamberfest-donations

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