BC FORUM News - From The Advocate Summer 2015

Lyle Kristiansen

By Soren Bech

Editor, The Advocate

I first met Lyle Kristiansen through the NDP. A woodworker and member of the IWA in the Kootenays, he immediately impressed me. He was a plain talker. He didn’t mince words when discussing the issues that matter to working families.

Lyle and his wife Vera were incredible organizers for the party.

They worked non-stop to sign up new members and strengthen the local constituency association. Lyle also served as a campaign manager.

In short, Lyle backed up his values and beliefs with action – just the kind of person we need in the House of Commons.

Lyle was elected as a Member of Parliament in Kootenay West in 1980. After losing in 1984, he took “four years off for good behaviour,” then returned to win in the redrawn riding of Kootenay West – Revelstoke in 1988. He did not seek re-election when his term ended in 1993.

At the NDP’s 2011 Convention, Leader Jack Layton began his speech with a tribute to Lyle and Vera.

“My friends Lyle and Vera Kristiansen celebrated their honeymoon at our founding convention 50 years ago,” said Layton, “and they’re here with us today.”

“I couldn’t help but note that at the Conservative convention last week, Stephen Harper said something about how he was just going to wait for the New Democrat honeymoon to end. Well, Lyle and Vera’s honeymoon has been going on for 50 years now,” he said.

When they retired to the Sunshine Coast, Lyle continued to serve working people as a BC FORUM Regional Representative. After a long battle with emphysema, Lyle died on June 18. He was 76. His ideas and enthusiasm will be missed.