Charles Lygo passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2006 at his home in Chilliwack, one month short of his 81st birthday.
He was a retired employee of BE Electric, later BC Hydro, and progressed with those companies from being a meter reader in both Chilliwack and Vancouver, to promotion as Manager of the BC Hydro Gas Corrosion Control Section. He was self- taught in the discipline of Corrosion Control and the knowledge he acquired enabled him to implement new technical and administrative processes that remain in use today. He was internationally known and respected in his field.
Charles had a variety of interests and talents. He was a founding member of the Vancouver Chapter of Greenpeace, he loved hiking and mountaineering, he was an accomplished gardener and created a wonderfully peaceful oasis in what has become a featureless urban sprawl. He possessed a keen analytical mind and was fascinated by Japanese culture. He was disciplined enough to learn to read and write the Japanese language without formal schooling. He was a voracious reader of a wide variety of subjects, a talented artist who also loved music and was a more than competent pianist. He was a generous donor to a number of philanthropic projects, particularly those dealing with children.
Charles leaves family in the UK as well as a diverse group of friends. We mourn the passing of a unique being who was witty, but never mean spirited, and who was not averse to throwing a controversial pebble into a discussion pool just to see the effect. All who knew Charles will miss his warmth, charm, intellect, hospitality and love for life. Travel well, old friend, and don’t forget to smell the roses en route. We shall not see your like again.