Lyle Spink passed away in the early hours of Sept. 8. He slipped away peacefully while sleeping.
Lyle was born on July 3, 1932 in Cherry Grove, a quiet town in Oregon. But Lyle always had a thirst for greater things. As soon as he was old enough, he enlisted in the Navy and deployed for the Korean War, where he ran the store on a tender boat and played baseball. He served his country by bringing warmth and light to people in their dark moments.
Following the Navy, Lyle began a career in carpentry. He described passing the master carpenter exam as one of his proudest memories. And a master carpenter he was. He would correctly claim that there was nothing he could not make out of wood. If Lyle built it, it will outlast your grandkids.
While Lyle was known for the works of his hands, he will be remembered for the works of his heart. There was nothing this man would not do for his friends, family and community. In retirement, Lyle joined the Knights of Columbus. He was drawn to the camaraderie of the knighthood and to the opportunity to better the lives of the less fortunate. Lyle’s rise through the Knights of Columbus was meteoric. He quickly became Grand Knight and held community garage sales that funded many charitable causes, including an annual college scholarship that was one of his favorite achievements.
In Lyle’s second retirement, he became a fixture at the Farmer’s Market where he sold homemade hot dog and marshmallow roasting sticks. He spread much good and love wherever he went. Where he walked, the sunshine followed and we will miss his glow.
He is survived by his wife Ann; sons Jonathan and Daniel Holmberg; and daughters Jana Wendt and Krista Cooley. He had many grandchildren as well as countless friends. He was profoundly loved and will be profoundly missed.
A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church at 804 3rd St., Langley. The service will be at 1 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to Providence Hospice and Home Care, 2731 Wetmore Ave. Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201 and/or Knights of Columbus, Council 11357, c/o St. Hubert’s Catholic Church, Lyle Spink Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 388, Langley, WA 98260.
