Jun 25, 1938 - Jan 11, 2018
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Lyle Hickson of Armstrong BC. Lyle will be lovingly remembered by is his wife of fifty-two years Mary and his two sons Jason and Devon. Lyle also leaves two brothers Harold and Wayne (Irene) and his sister Muriel (Ev); numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded by his parents, Leslie and Bjorg Hickson; his brothers Lenard, Grant and Ralph; and his three sons Rodney, Douglas and Brady.
Lyle was born in Lashburn Saskatchewan, lived in Malakwa BC before moving to Vernon in the early 1960's. It was here he met the love of his life Mary and they married in August 1965. Lyle worked driving truck with Chapmans; then in 1966 he started with VanKam Freightways, and other than five years with BC Hydro, he worked at VanKam in Vernon as the Manager until he retired in December 1998.
As one of his great passions, Lyle - known by the nickname "The Viking" - started racing stock cars on dirt in 1961 at Herwin Speedway in Kamloops and then moved on to pavement in Kelowna at Kelwin Speedway, and from there to Billie Foster Memorial. When Tillicum opened in 1970 he moved to the Vernon track and raced there until his retirement from racing in 1972. To his credit are 100 trophies, 4 Season Championship and upon retirement he was the Track Record Holder in the Modified Division.
Lyle will be missed in the farming communities in Armstrong and Vernon as the man who 'whispered to horses', was a great neighbor and friend and always willing to help anyone in need. In retirement he loved dancing and spent many Sundays at the Cedar Ridge Guest Ranch; he was passionate about fishing and ice fishing, which he enjoyed with his boys and many friends. He leaves behind a close and supportive community of family and friends and his warm smile and spirited laugh will be missed by everyone he touched.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held in the future.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Lyle to North Okanagan Hospice Society, 2506 - 27th Avenue, Vernon BC V1T 1S4
Cremation arrangements have been made with Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd. 5605 - 27th Street, Vernon BC V1T 8Z5 250-542-1187