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Lyle Leonard Ficken

December 31, 2011

Lyle Ficken

Lyle Leonard Ficken passed away at Laurel Place Hospice in Surrey BC in the presence of his loving family at the age of 48 on December 31, 2011.  Lyle endured a long, brave battle with his illness.  Lyle will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife of 26 years Martina; sons Brandon, Ryan; daughter Alicia; his father Len (Sharon); sisters Karen (Gil); Sheila (Kurt), Breanne (Shane); numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Lyle was predeceased by his sister Linda in 1962 and also by his mother, Irene, in 1995.

Lyle was passionate about his family and his work both as a professional and a volunteer.  He worked in the family business of Nicolson Heating and Metal Works from the age of 15 for summertime work.  He later began apprenticing at the age of 20.  In conjunction with his professional work, Lyle passionately volunteered as a member of the Surrey RCMP Auxiliary Detachment (District 4) for a solid 5 years.  Lyle also volunteered as a dedicated member of “The Nightshift Street Ministries” where he cooked and provided meals for those who were less fortunate. 

Lyle inherited a love of hunting and fishing from his father Len, who was also his best friend.  Lyle had a love for a special place known as “The Cabins” where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, ice-fishing, water skiing, and dirt-bike riding.  Lyle was a masterful craftsman in virtually anything that required repairs or restoration.  He took a tremendous amount of pride in everything that he did.   He will always be cherished and remembered for his giving, loving nature.

Lyle was married at the age of 22 to his loving wife Martina, and together they raised three loving children.

A Funeral Service will be held in honour of Lyle at the People’s Church 14455 – 104 Avenue in Surrey BC at 11:00 AM on Monday January 9, 2012 ; followed by a Graveside Service at Valleyview Memorial Gardens 14644 – 72 Avenue, also in Surrey.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation online at http://bccancerfoundation.com/ or by mail at 13750 – 96 Avenue Surrey BC V3V 1Z2.  You can also contact the BC Cancer Foundation by toll-free telephone at 1-866-232-9974.  Please also consider a donation to Laurel Place Hospice, 9688-137A Street, Surrey, BC  V3T 4H9,  or by telephone at (604) 930-6808.  We urge you to leave a personal message of condolence for the family to view on this particular website. 

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Messages of Condolence

Just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to Martina and the rest of the family. Reading this life of Lyle, it sure brought a tears to my eyes, what a beautiful human being he was, with all that he did for others....wow. You were truly blessed that he was in your lives. And of course you will see him again, but for now keep those memories alive in your mind and heart. ~ Nadine Powell

I was so sorry to read about Lyle in the paper. I remember him as a teenager when came to work with you and everyone in the area would meet for coffee. He was always so good natured and polite. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. We always think we will be gone before our children but sadly it doesn't always work that way. ~ Shirley Zylan

Our hearts go out to Lyle's family as you mourn this tragic loss. We knew Lyle through Nicholson Heating and also through my co-worker Sharon Ficken. Losing a loved one leaves such a void in the lives of those he left. The treasured memories you have of Lyle will always be with you. May God give you strength in this most difficult time and bring comfort to your broken hearts. With sympathy and prayers Sylvia and Johnny Freer ~ Sylvia & John Freer

Martina, Brandon , Alicia and Ryan, Please know that we have been praying for you since the day Shari & Rich told us of Lyle's illness. We will continue to remember you in our prayers. May the peace, comfort and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ be yours in these difficult days. Rod & Vicki Kobzey ~ Rod & Vicki Kobzey

My condolences to you and your family Martina.You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your friend Julian ~ Julian De Vuono

Martina and family, Things I think of when I remember Lyle is his smile and his laughter. Think of all the loving words and deeds,that will go on forever after, and even though he is gone, within our hearts and memory Lyle will live on. With deepest sympathy Natalia ~ Natalia Morgado

Hello Ms. Ficken & family, You may not remember me but I attended People's Church when Tony Curtis was the Youth Paster until Pastor Curtis left People's. I was quite involved in the Youth Ministry at that time. It was an honour to have met you and your family, your husband seemed like a very nice and humble man of God. I'm going keep you and your families in my prayers during this difficult time. I pray for comfort on difficult days, hugs when spirits sag, friendships to brighten your being, patience to accept the truth and courage to yourself. Take Care. ~ Aimee

Dear Martina: I was so sorry to hear about Len's passing. I was glad to hear you were at Laurel Place for the end - a perfect place for you and Len to have some time together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have been thinking of you and will continue to do so as you enter this next difficult period. Take care of yourself. Love, John, Judi and Jenn Campbell ~ Jenn Campbell (John's daughter)

We were so sorry to hear of Lyle's passing. We have lost several family members to cancer so we know the grief and pain you are experiencing. From reading his obituary we can see what a wonderful man he was not only to his family but to his community as well. We will be giving donations in Lyle's honour to the charities you have suggested. May the many beautiful memories you have of Lyle help to see you through the difficult times. Sincere sympathy, Dave and Helen. ~ Dave and Helen Smith

I knew Lyle from high school. I was privileged enough to have gone to the cabin with him and Martina in our younger days. I remember cruising the Langley strip on Friday nights with Lyle and other friends. He was always a soft spoken guy and referred to as the nice one. I'm very sad that his journey here is over. I know that from attending his service today that he will be remembered and loved. He raised 3 great kids and I'm sure that they will always remember him with great love. I remember he water skiing at the cabin and how jealous I was of his natural ability. I was very touched today by the picture of Lyle in the hospital with his arms raised in prayer. It touched me in a very profound way. I will always remember him with a smile on my face and found memories. I pray that I get to see him again one day. Take care Lyle and rest in peace my friend. Butch ~ Gerhard ( Butch ) Renzmann

Lyle was an (is) amazing person. We had the pleasure of knowing him and his Dad Len, working on two of our homes. It is sad to see him leave earth. I LOVE the way Lyle led his life and is truly an inspiration for everyone that was there today. What more can we do for others, what else can we do for our kids and extended family, and what more can we do for His kingdom. It's great to know (as a believer) he is in heaven it is an amazing reward for an amazing person. I pray that any pain the family might be experiencing for Lyle not being on earth is eased by the comfort of knowing he is in the most amazing place...heaven. ~ Marc Poitras

So very sorry for your loss.....Lyle was a very special man and I know you will miss him tremendously. I had the privilege of knowing him as a friend through our high school years and he really was a great person. He always had a smile for you and was a true, kind and gentle soul. His love for all of you was so evident in the pictures shown and words spoken at his service today and I know he lived a life full of love and happiness. My prayer for you now is that you will find comfort and peace in God's love and the wonderful memories you shared in the gift of Lyle's life. Sincerely, Brenda Wood ~ Brenda Wood

The funeral was a good reflection of Lyle's giving nature. A friend to all, he will be missed. I pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey though grief. ~ Ray Poitras

George worked with Lyle for many years since he became an apprentice at Nicolson Heating. He has been a great friend to us and our family. Martina & family please accept our sincere condolences and we will always remember Lyle for the genuinely good person that he was. We were sorry that we couldn't be there at this time but you are always in our thoughts. ~ George & Bonnie Stasko

Dearest Martina and Family, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Lyle. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lyle will be missed dearly by all who know and love him...I have some lovely memories of the Cabin with our little ones, you and Lyle! What a wonderful loving Husband and Father I remember Lyle to be. He was the Tall handsome, strong, silent type who would literally give the shirt off his back. He was one of the most giving and caring Men that I could say I have ever met, and the Love that he showed his family was beyond measure. May the Lord be your strength and comfort through your time of need. Be blessed, all my love to you! ~ Joline Callaghan

Martina and Family - I am SO sorry to hear this. Lyle was my big brother's friend in high school which meant I saw a lot of him growing up. If you got Lyle laughing, he would laugh until he cried..literal tears streaming down his face, with the biggest grin you ever saw. I had bumped into Lyle a while ago in a store and we spent a few minutes reminiscing some old stories.. and there he was laughing till he cried. Lyle for years has pursued an active faith in God and put himself in the care of Jesus - a great testimony to us all. Richard Cummins ~ Richard Cummins