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:
Service
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM (PDT)
Location
Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
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
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
On behalf of everyone at GM Canada, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Joanne, Mark, Chad,
Mary Jo and the entire Bannister Family
Joanne, I was deeply saddened by your loss of Lyn!! He had a larger than life personality and will be dearly missed by anyone who knew him!! Love to you and all the Bannister family!! Sharon
Lyn will be terribly missed by both of us. As our closest neighbour,, he became our closest friend. Through Lyn, we got to meet Joanne, Mark, Chad, and Mary Jo. Thanks Lyn
Lyn was such a warm and wonderful person. His positive attitude about family, friends and life in general uplifted us all. Joanne, the kids and grandkids, our condolences go out to you all. Lyn will always stay in our thoughts and hearts.
Sincere sympathy to all of you on the passing of Lyn. I go back over 60 years of knowing Lyn as he was the big brother of my dear friend, his younger brother, Brooke. I was Lyn’s manager for the Huskie hockey team in Saskatoon and he also was my softball coach for a couple of years. Over the years we kept in touch and I always looked forward to seeing him when I was in the Okanagan. My thoughts are with the entire family at this difficult time. JACK NEUMANN, Calgary, AB.
Sending you all so much love and hugs.
From a great family, I knew Lyn mostly through hockey, as well his brothers, particularly Brooke. From the ice to the sales room, to the office, Lyn was a winner in every respect, and enjoy the respect and affection of those around him. I also well remember his father., and hats off to his parents who raised such a great family, Herb
I send my sincere condolences to Joanne and family. Lyn was my coach for 3 years when I played for the U of S Huskies hockey team. Lyn was a determined, hard working coach. Those traits served him well in his business ventures. Rest in peace Coach.
Joanne, Mark,Chad, Mary Jo and family. It is with deepest sympathies and condolences that we learned of the sudden passing of a really great guy and gentleman Lyn. We were neighbours and friends in Barrhead and recall with fondness the many occasions that we were able to visit and be involved in community activity. Lyn and his life long best friend Joanne moved to BC and became extremely successful business people as well as pillars of their BC environment. While we will miss him dearly we also know that he will be long remembered with affection, respect and love. To Joanne and family your husband and father loved you dearly and always spoke of you with pride and endearing kindness. Ken/Kristina Kowalski, Alberta
My heartfelt condolences to the Bannister family. I have happy memories of Lyn when our families resided in Saskatoon. We spent many Bannister and MacNevin gatherings together. Lyn’s mother Mary and my mother Barbara curled together. . Lyn’s brother Brook and I were very good friends and attended school together .
I have known Lyn for years had a lot to do with him in the the old days as we were both g m dealers starting out good friend good man leaves a legacy that will last for ever
My dear Joanne: (and family)
I was very saddened to read about the sudden passing of Lyn. I never knew Lyn very well, but if you chose to marry him, then he must have been a great guy. I only remember that he was so overwhelmed at you becoming his wife, that fell down in a swoon at the wedding. It must have been a difficult time getting through the sudden shock. I remember how my mum struggled when my dad died at the age of 44, and I only the age of 8, I didn’t know where we would end up. Regardless of the difference in time it can’t be easy. I think that the last time I saw you was at a reunion about 100 years ago…so if you are ever back this way, and you have some time, please get in touch and we can swop tall tales, and you can tell me all about Margie Pederson. Please accept my most sincere sympathy in Lyn’s passing, and I wish you all the best.
sincerely,
Johnny Hall
Dear Joanne, Mary Jo, Mark, Chad and family, sending you all love and strength through this difficult time. Lyn was a genuine, caring and amazing family man. I always looked forward to his walk through the dealership in the morning to say hello and check in. His big smile always brightened my day!
May all your wonderful memories of him bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With love and deepest sympathy, Carol & Des OKell
Always a good time when we got together starting some 20 years ago in Outdoor Resorts Indio California. In the winter and continuing in Kelowna. In the summer.We will miss you my friend.. Another angel in Heaven .
Joanne, I was so saddened to hear from Dee, about Lyn’s passing. He was such a cheerful and positive man. I remember your hospitality in visiting you in your beautiful home in Vernon, then having dinner at Sparkling Hill. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Sincerely, Helen Campbell – Calgary
Condolences to the whole family on Lyn’s passing. He was a wonderful and kind man and I have fond memories of all my conversations with him over our business years together.
Joanne and family. My memories of Lyn either sitting across from him at the dealership or the hockey rink was he met you with smile and respect. I am glad to have good memories of the person Lyn was.
To Joanne and entire Bannister family. Our hearts continue to be so sad on the recent passing of Lyn. We feel so fortunate to have had a wonderful visit with Joanne and Lyn at our house in Newport Beach a few weeks before his sudden passing. We loved knowing Joanne and Lyn first as neighbors, then as friends. We were invited to spend a special few days in Kelowna as guests in their home. No one was friendlier and kinder than Lyn. He will forever be remembered by both of us.
Jackie and Phil
I first met Lyn in September of 1961 at Denver University, where we both had hockey scholarships. We immediately became close friends and were roommates in our senior year. He was always a great guy and we built a close relationship that lasted through all these years.
The highlight of our relationship was meeting with Joanne and Lyn during our winters in Palm Springs. Lyn and Joanne were always such fun people and so much fun to be with.
In short, knowing Lyn all these years was a real blessing and He will be missed forever.
Ron Naslund
Minnetonka MN
Bannister family, we are very sorry for your loss of such an amazing man. Lyn left such on impact on the people around him. Lyn had a super power that the whole family has adopted, they make you feel so special, every interaction and every touch is meaningful. Lyn you paved the way for many of us in the auto business. You along with your family have built an incredible legacy that will be around for centuries. We will always remember you and never forget to “enjoy the moments”
Dear Joanne,
You and Lyn were our most wonderful neighbours for all those years. Lynn’s energy and positive light on life were infectious and every encounter with him left us feeling smiled upon. He seemed to bring energy and dedication to everything he did; whether it was community meetings, planning family gatherings or getting out for a run. Although Lyn is gone, his signature remains, an instructs us all of the importance to “live in the moment”.
We miss Lyn.
Thinking of you.
Lori & George
So sorry for the loss of your love, Lyn. It seems just like yesterday I went to work for you and Lyn. Those were great years. Thank you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. Hugs.