Lyle Bjork

Lyle was born December 4, 1940, in Seattle, Washington, to Florence and Gordon Bjork. He was predeceased by them and by his sister, Priscilla Orr. He is survived by Ann, his wife of 58 years, children Eric (Susan) and Rachel (Steven Simpson), and brother Gordon (Susan).

A grandchild of immigrants from Sweden, Lyle was raised in an environment of religious and political conservatism. But Dartmouth College and two years in Turkey with the newly formed Peace Corps made him realize that life can be very varied, unpredictable, and wonderful. These experiences formed his views for the rest of his life.

After the Peace Corps, Lyle earned a master’s in teaching and met Ann. They married and moved to Seattle, where Lyle taught social studies and history before moving on to real estate for the rest of his career. But paid activities were only part of Lyle. He enjoyed playing the flute, singing in everything from small church choirs to Seattle Opera Chorus, and traveling to countries all over the world. A multitalented man, Lyle built everything from a vacation house to many pieces of beautifully crafted furniture to a boat in the basement (not known to always measure carefully, he accomplished a small miracle by getting it out the window as planned). Somehow, he also found time for numerous church activities, tennis, bike riding, and reading. He had a lively, varied, and satisfying life.

By 2009, Ann had had three joint replacements that left her feeling constantly cold in Seattle, so she and Lyle once more did the unpredictable and moved to Kauai, where they knew no one and had no permanent housing arranged-but quickly remedied both. Lyle continued his pursuits, enjoying learning about another new culture. In 2013, with both now in their 70s, he proposed putting all their stuff in storage and going around the world, planning as they went. It was the trip of a lifetime, constantly varied and unpredictable and fun. Upon returning to Kauai, they faced again the challenge of finding a place to live, living briefly in the church parsonage before finding more permanent shelter.

Gradually, it became apparent that Lyle had dementia, which had plagued his family for generations, and his last years were spent in its grip. He died peacefully, thanks to Kauai Hospice.

The family would like to thank Lyle’s private caregiving team for providing him the best of care, sometimes under difficult circumstances as his disease progressed. The staff and residents of The Regency at Puakea have been stalwart and caring of both Lyle and the family. The congregation of Hanapepe United Church of Christ has sent oceans of prayers. And there are not enough thanks to give Hospice its due.

There will be a private service at a later date. Remembrances, if desired, may be sent to your favorite cause, provided it is kind to humans and other living organisms. Ann would love to know what your choice is.

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