Obituary of LYNAS – Joseph Martin

November 26, 1927 – April 22, 2011 Reverend Joseph Martin Lynas B.A., B.D.,M.Th. “The Leprechaun has gone Home”. After saying ‘au revoir’ to his loved ones on Friday April 22, 2011, Good Friday, his beloved wife of fifty-four years Meta, his daughter Heather and her husband Dieter their sons Neil and Kevin, his daughter Joy and her husband Sandy, his son Robin and his wife Jackie and their children Samantha and Taylor and all his friends he passed on to a fuller life with God. He was born November 26, 1927 in Belfast N.I. where he attended St. Mark’s Elementary and Belfast High School. He graduated in Arts at Queen’s University, Belfast and took Theology at Edgehill Methodist College, Belfast. He was ordained into the Ministry at Stephen’s Green Methodist Church, Dublin, in June 1954. He later obtained two degrees from St. Stephen’s United Theological College in Edmonton. He married Meta Jackson R.N. in 1957 and thereafter began a team ministry. They served on the Pettigo Circuit situated on the Fermanagh & Donegal border (5 yrs) then to Holywood, County Down (6 yrs). The next stop was after immigration to Canada at Didsbury, Alberta (8yrs). Next was Southminster United, Calgary (17yrs). Martin was a regular contributor and organized ‘Thought for the Day’ that aired for many years on local TV. Retirement came in 1993 but work continued when Martin became Pastoral Assistant (8yrs), at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church. They then worshipped and sometimes served in several churches in Calgary. In 1984 Martin was Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Alberta Free Masons. In 2004 he celebrated his 50th year of ordination and was also designated Minster Emeritus of Living Spirit United Church. Throughout his long ministry his sermons frequently evoked laughter. He set two targets in ministry; Pastoral Care and Ecumenical Affairs. He now serves in the Church Triumphant awaiting the arrival of his partner, Meta, to resume their continued ministry in Christ’s service above. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthew’s United Church, (2039-26A Street SW, Calgary) on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Rev. Martin Lynas, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200