Lynda Maureen Kernahan

January 31, 1956 – February 17, 2023

It is with great sadness we mark the passing of Lynda Maureen Kernahan.  Lynda lived a full life despite being taken from us too early.  She endured a prolonged illness with strength, dignity, and humour.  She passed away on her own terms surrounded by her family and care givers.

Born in Calgary, Lynda was the fourth of six children.  She was introduced to skiing at Lake Louise and swimming and sailing at Pigeon Lake at an early age.  Her love of wind and watersports saw her become an accomplished windsurfer and, more recently, an avid kiteboarder.  She spent many summers with family and friends in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge and winter holidays in Mexico.  Lynda was also passionate about winter sports. Having started out skiing, she also became an accomplished snowboarder at Whistler/Blackcomb, where she attained her instructor certification.

After finishing high school in Calgary, Lynda took time off to travel to Greece and many parts of Europe before moving to Vancouver to attend university. She graduated from UBC in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics. Combining entrepreneurial skills and an artistic flair with training in textiles and design, Lynda established her own business making custom ski wear.  Her label “LMK Design” was prominent in many ski areas, proudly worn by her family, friends and clients.

After many years of running her own business, in 1992 Lynda decided to become a high school teacher.  She obtained her Teaching Certificate from UBC and taught Home Economics for the Burnaby School Board for 22 years.

Lynda also loved her cats, who kept her company in her period residence in Vancouver.  She enjoyed its south-facing backyard and upgrading and decorating her home. She also kept a strong connection with her “Calgary home”, enjoying many visits to celebrate special occasions with family, including many nieces and nephews.

Lynda had other creative skills, including cooking in both her professional and personal life.  She also had musical talent, playing contemporary blues and jazz tunes on the piano, and enjoyed many live concerts.

We are grateful for the excellent care Lynda received from her family doctor, the Raven Song palliative-care team, and the specialists at Vancouver General Hospital. She was adamant about staying in her home, in her final years, with a team of 24-hour caregivers providing compassionate care and helping her enjoy every day.

Lynda will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, love of the outdoors, exceptional athletic abilities, perseverance, tenacity, quirky sense of humour, and her wardrobe that matched her sparkly blue eyes.

Lynda was predeceased by her parents, Elaine and Martin Kernahan, and will be greatly missed by siblings, Marilyn, Sheila (Michael), John, Cameron (Terry), Valerie (Ed), and nieces and nephews, Chris (Meagan), Katy (Dan), Hillary (Robbie), Lauren (Doug), Sydney (Dave), Hailey, Claire and Austin.