We Remember

BANNISTER, James “Lyn”

March 10, 1943 — March 30, 2026

James Lyn Bannister passed away from a sudden and unexpected heart attack on March 30, 2026, at the age of 83 in La Quinta, California.

Lyn was the founder of the Bannister Automotive Group, but titles never defined him. To those who knew him, he was a devoted husband, Dad, Papa, brother, mentor, and a great friend to many. He was a passionate and driven leader, full of energy, optimism, and heart; the kind of person who made you feel better just by being around him.

Lyn was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on March 10, 1943, and raised in Saskatchewan. As a young man, he pursued both hockey and academics, earning a scholarship to the University of Denver, where he completed his degree. On a trip home, he met Joanne. They fell in love quickly, very quickly and were talking about marriage within weeks. That decisiveness and clarity would become a hallmark of how Lyn lived his life.

He began his career in education, teaching and coaching university hockey, but it didn’t take long for him to realize he wanted to build something of his own. That decision led him into sales, and soon after into partnership, and eventually ownership of Lyn Bannister Pontiac Buick GMC in Barrhead, Alberta, in 1981. It was there that Lyn and Joanne built their young family and began what would become a much larger journey.

In 1990, they moved to Vernon, British Columbia and purchased what was then Vernon Motor Products, laying the foundation for what is now the Bannister Automotive Group. While he was proud of what the business became, Lyn was always most proud of the people within it. Lyn had a rare gift for connecting with people. He genuinely cared about your family, your story, and how you were doing, and he had a way of making every interaction feel important. He loved being in the dealerships, walking the floor, shaking hands, sharing a laugh, and feeling the energy of the team. That was his happy place.

Lyn was almost always smiling and carried a naturally positive outlook. He had a way of lighting up a room, and people consistently walked away from time with him feeling better than when they arrived.

In La Quinta, he found that same joy on the golf course with close friends, where his quick wit and playful verbal abuse became his signature and a sure sign you were part of his circle.

He lived with enthusiasm and intention. He believed in showing up with energy, bringing your best, and often reminded those around him to “Enjoy the Moments.” It wasn’t just something he said; it was how he lived.

Lyn is survived by his best friend and wife, Joanne; his children Mark (Laurie), Chad (Nadine), and Mary Jo (Joe); his eight grandchildren – Chelsea (Jay), Curtis (Kaisha), Ben, Cole, Cruz, Carly, Caleb, and Kai; and his great-granddaughter Banks. He is also survived by his brother Brent (Georgia), along with many extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Mary, and his brothers, Leigh and Brooke.

Lyn’s legacy lives on in the family values he instilled, the culture he built, and the countless relationships he nurtured over his lifetime. His impact will continue to be felt through the people he supported, the business he helped grow, and the family he loved deeply.

The Bannister family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their messages, support, and kindness during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lyn’s memory can be made to BC Cancer – Kelowna, or Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.

“Enjoy the Moments.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PDT), at Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC. If you wish to attend, please Click Here to Register. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter. A reception will be held following the service.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Livestream provided by Trinity Church: link will be available closer to the service date

Service
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PDT)

Location
Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC

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BC Cancer – Kelowna or Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation Link: bccancerfoundation.com/LynBannister, www.vjhfoundation.org

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BANNISTER, James “Lyn” is scheduled for SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC

1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Kevin Kolodychuk says:
    April 12, 2026 at 2:18 pm

    To Joanne, Mark, Chad, Mary Jo and all the Bannister family. My deepest condolences go to you in this time of grieving. Not a day goes by I don’t use some of his advice or knowledge he passed down on me over the years. He was a great man he , I learned alot from him. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. Take care. Kevin Kolodychuk

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