Vancouver College - Collegian Yearbook (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada)

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On a gloomy September 20, 1973, at approximately 12:15 in the afternoon, V.C. students were busily progressing through physics experiments or examining new geological formations, all with one driving force in mind, that lunch was next period. Abruptly Brother H. L. Bucher’s voice came to life over the intercom in each classroom with a somber message that echoed through the school. “This is a very joyous occasion,” he said, carefully picking his words, “God has seen it fit to take Brother Lyons to his eternal reward.” A pall of sorrow covered the school as Brother Bucher paused, then trailed on, “And it is only fitting that we say the prayer that Our Lord Himself taught us.” The following Our Father that had been recited so many times before by the lips of indifferent students suddenly took new meaning. There was a hallowed belief in God, a feeling of humbleness that could be only expressed as, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” In the long days that followed the pall of sorrow lifted and was replaced by an aura of admiration for the man who had done so much for so many. Brother G. P. Lyons. Brother Lyons was born in 1913 at North Bend on the 6

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Father Chambers of Notre Dame serves mass for the borders on a Sunday morning following the Vancouver College Leadership Conference. Brother Bucher says a few words of inspiration to prepare the student body for the mass of the Holy Spirit. In school the Brothers have adopted a guest speaker program for religion classes which include speakers from all levels and views of Christian life. The talks could range from censorship of movies to prison reform, each to stress community awareness or to demonstrate how Christian attitudes fare in the realm outside of school. Highlighting this year’s guest speaker program was Brother Loftus, former Superior General of the Christian Brothers’ order, whose humour coupled with an oratorical style all his own made him a fascinating speaker. His task during vocation week was to enlighten the students as to whether or not to join the Christian Brothers. JOHN WILLIAM GRAY ALLISON 1955 - 1973 Vancouver College was shocked to learn of the sud- den death of Gray after his return from a hunting trip. A graduate of 1973, he had many friends in the yearbook, bingo committee and among students of all grade levels. In the successful Walkathon he led the school with $448 .75 worth of pledges. ..the highest in the school. Giving up his free time in order to search for ads for the year- book was one of his obsessions. Gray proved to be a per- fect example of Vancouver College’s school spirit and thus was very popular. There was a large turnout of students and graduates at the funeral mass in Saint John the Apostle where the hymns were provided by a group of last year’s graduates in whose minds’ Gray’s presence was very much alive. Merciful Jesus, grant eternal rest to the soul of Gray Allison, our brother and friend.

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COMMEMORATION Fraser River near Boston Bar. After graduating from Vancouver College in 1928, he completed a year of teacher training at the Normal School in Vancouver, and then entered the novitiate of the Christian Brothers. He was the first Vancouver College graduate to enter the Congregation, and he promised himself that he would one day teach at the school that first inspired him. For sixteen years, he fulfilled this promise until his sudden death while undergoing open-heart surgery. Brother Lyons began his teaching career at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, N.Y. and af- terwards proceeded to Saint Mary’s College in Halifax where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He ob- tained his Master of Science degree at DePaul University while teaching at Leo High School in Chicago. He sub- sequently taught at O’Dea High School in Seattle, Iona College in New Rochelle and Saint Louis College in Vic- toria, where he was appointed Principal in 1951 for a six year term. From that position Brother Lyons returned to his Alma Mater where he served Vancouver College as a teacher of chemistry and mathematics, dean of studies, alumni director, editor of school publications, Yearbook advisor, and friend to legions of students and ex- students. Brother Lyons’ many talents in art, music, and ad- ministration and his unlimited energy made him a highly respected member of the staff. The yearbook of- fice where he spent a great deal of time after school was a constant focal point for visitors and friends. During summer holidays Brother made all visitors feel at home and helped them relive for the moment some pleasant or not so pleasant experience of their days at College. The unique quality that has endeared him to many students and confreres was his almost total availability. His efficiency, genius, and above all his kindness, im- pressed many. There was a steady flow of men of all ages who sought his advice and friendship. For many years he served the Archdiocese of Van- couver as a faithful member of the Board of Catholic Charities. His communication skills were used here as director of publicity. Reaction to Brother’s death was widespread. Victoria public school principal, Tom Curtis said, “In his typical way, Br. Lyons involved himself in the whole com- munity as well as his school. It’s hard to imagine how such a man can be replaced.” The driving force behind all distinguished schools was summed up by Brother Bucher who concluded, “Schools like Vancouver College derive their strength and charac- ter from the people who believe in them, and from the few individuals who believe in a special way.” Brother Lyons was one of those individuals. Over one thousand people filled Holy Rosary Cathedral on September 24 as Archbishop James F. Car- ney celebrated the funeral mass for Brother Lyons, after which his remains were buried at Mountain View Cemetery. The focal part of the ceremony was the eulogy delivered by Monsignor T. M. Nichol of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, who in his own words summed up what Brother Lyons meant and did for all of us. Brother Garland Philip Lyons served his faith for sixty-one years and was a living example fo r all of us. May he rest in peace. OOWltis cutcC fists jects i t a (A€ut away of activities to-iil a cveufs e f ie ttetH6enect.