Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant.
We give thanks for the life of Leonard Ernest Dyer, Deacon, and are grateful for his ministry in our diocese and in the broader Anglican Church of Canada.
Len died on Tuesday, May 2.
Len is survived by his spouse, Nora, and Len's children: Andrea (Roger), David (Leah), Angela (Sheldon); Nora's children: Chris (Deanna), Amanda (Al), and their respective grandchildren: Joseph, Ian, Evan, John, Kyla, Abby, Kira and Paige.
Len was born in Montréal, April 18, 1944, baptized at the Church of St John, Verdun, Québec, and confirmed at St Andrew’s, Strathmore, Québec in 1958. As a teenager he taught Sunday School, assisting his father who was a lay reader.
Len studied at Concordia University, graduating with a BA in Philosophy in 1966. He also did academic work in education and theology.
As a lay person in the Diocese of New Westminster, Len attended St. Margaret of Scotland, Burnaby; St. James, Vancouver; and the Anglican Parish of the Church of the Epiphany ('Epiphany'), Surrey where he served on various parish committees, led different educational programmes, and was a pastoral visitor.
Len had a long career with BC Transit and Coast Mountain Bus Company where he was a Community Relations Officer and educator. He also worked in Customer Service for SkyTrain, was a commercial insurance underwriter, and a secondary school teacher.
Len was ordained to the diaconate June 26, 2005, at Christ Church Cathedral by Bishop Michael Ingham. He served as Deacon at 'Epiphany', Surrey from his ordination through 2011 when he retired.
His ministry at 'Epiphany' was greatly appreciated. He was known for social outreach, pastoral care and teaching. He led educational programmes including the Journey programme and programmes on Anglican identity. He also networked with local agencies and charities in the Whalley area, often organizing the distribution of toques, socks, and care kits for the homeless, and low-income people. He also organized, trained and assisted lay ministers in the parish, in addition to preaching and participating in the liturgy. Len was a valued colleague to his rector, the Reverend Stephen Rowe, covering emergency pastoral visits and supporting the rector’s ministry when he was an archdeacon. Len was appointed Chaplain at Laurel Place in Surrey in 2008.
The Celebration of Life and Thanksgiving Service will take place Saturday, September 30, 2pm at St. Helen's, Surrey. Bishop John Stephens will preside.
IMAGE
The Reverend Len Dyer in 2011
Photo: Randy Murray