Cyndi passed away in the company of her family after a challenging fight with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband Michael, and her three incredible children – Patrick, Brian and Erin, as well as her mother Diane (Doug) and father Stew (JulieAnne) and her siblings, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Cyndi was born in Vanderhoof (because Fort St. James did not have a hospital at the time!) and is the younger sister of Maria and older sister of Sean and Michael Coulter. After graduating from Fort St. James Secondary School, she attended BCIT where she earned a structural and architectural drafting certificate.
Cyndi enrolled in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Program as soon as she was permitted and quickly demonstrated the leadership, interpersonal, and citizenship skills that have served her and others so well. As a cadet, she was engaged in all aspects of the program and developed many strong friendships that continued throughout her life. She served in her local community and at the national summer training centre HMCS QUADRA reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class. It was at QUADRA that she met her husband Michael and, after marrying in 1992, they served together at RCSCC Captain Vancouver as well as HMCS QUADRA.
As Cyndi and Michael started a family, they moved to Victoria which has remained home ever since. With three incredible children, Cyndi was active within her school community and served on the board of St. Patrick’s Elementary School and later volunteered at St. Andrew’s Regional High School. She was a very talented artist – it is rumoured that her husband once, at great peril to himself, had to ‘steal’ one of her artworks away from his mother-in-law’s house so he could proudly display it at their home (where it remains to this day!).
Cyndi enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy as a CIC officer in 1991 and continued in that service until her death. She had the privilege of commanding three different Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC Admiral Budge, RCSCC Admiral Waller, and RCSCC Beacon Hill) where she was an inspiration to all who had the opportunity to serve with her. She was a passionate and effective mentor, coach, instructor and leader. She ensured that each cadet and officer was empowered to achieve success in a respectful, positive, and safe environment. Frequently, former cadets would approach her years after they had left the cadet program to thank her for her personal commitment to their development and to share their successes. In addition to her work at the cadet corps, Cyndi was employed full time at the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) in various roles directly supporting the Canadian Cadet Organization. The depth and breadth of her skills allowed her to succeed as an instructor at the officer training school, the administration officer for the Army Cadet program in BC, the movements/transportation officer for BC, and in her last posting as the Sea Training (Plans) officer. As Sea Training, she was truly there to help and she actively empowered sea cadet corps to deliver dynamic and effective training in support of the aims of the cadet organization. (She sometimes described herself as the ‘moneybags’ and her goal was to spend every possible dollar in support of program delivery at each cadet corps and through RCN and international training deployments!) Cyndi was a tireless and passionate advocate of the cadet program who spent countless hours outside of work to ensure that each cadet and officer was challenged to meet their potential. In this respect, she was the consummate professional and a critical contributor to not only the cadet community but the wider Canadian community.
The cornerstone of Cyndi’s life has always been her family. She treasures her children and is incredibly proud of them. They each carry with them the very best attributes of Cyndi – her passion, intellect, humour, and commitment to serve others. Cyndi’s legacy lives on through not only her children but also each person whom she has inspired, mentored and guided throughout her life.
A Celebration of Cyndi’s Life will be held at a date to be determined following a private family funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the HMCS QUADRA Scholarship Fund (c/o Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific) in memory of Lt. (N) Cynthia Lawless, CD.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
61 Responses
Deepest condolences to Mike and family. So terribly sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for you all.
I am so sorry for ur loss. I worked with Cyndi at RCSU she always had a smile on her face and a kind word no matter how busy she was.. I finished my contract with RCSU but one day I was travelling and ran into her in the airport in Vancouver and very spur of the moment had a coffee and a chat even though it had been a while since we had seen each other it was such a nice surprise to see her and I was left with a very warm feeling about our visit.. I am so very sad to hear of Cyndi’s passing. She will be very missed by so many. I was lucky to have met her.
Teresa Tuohy.❤️
My condolences to Mike, Patrick, Brian, Erin and the whole family. Cyndi was a true mentor and friend in my life, as well as the lives of countless others. She is still a role model for me, always guiding me towards the right direction, always helping me to look at things from all directions.
Wish we would have had a life time to share as you were such an amazing woman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike and kids.You will truly be missed.
Love always Jenny & Walter
Xxxxxxxx ❤
That was a truly beautiful tribute. My deepest condolences that I can’t be at her service. I would have liked very much to pay my respects in person. My dad will be there and the rest of my family will be there in spirit. May she rest well and may you find comfort in knowing that she will rest easy and will be no longer in pain.
Our thoughts are with you to, Mike and kids.
Our family is very sorry for your immense loss. Cyndi was a lovely, fun-loving woman and will be missed. Our condolences to your entire family.
My condolences to Mike, and the whole family. I was very saddened with the news that Cynthia had gone to God, I had felt sure she would conquer her cancer. Cynthia and I met in the 90’s firstly at HMCS Quadra, later during an ISCA exchange in South Korea, and again at Quadra for an ISCA Conference. I found her to be an outstanding lady, always confident, friendly, intuitive and caring. I have many happy memories of her, from rubbing sand into her hair before tackling the ‘tunnels’ to a relaxing drink at the end of a day., and those famous words ‘I will get you the first drink, then you get your own’ when entertaining at home.
Mike, Patrick, Brian and Erin, you will have so many memories to keep close, and make you smile. Always remember she was special.
Rest in Peace Cynthia.
Zenda Gardiner. Western Australia.
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you. Cyndi was a great companion, amazingly supportive of her family and the Cadet program. Blessings to you, the children and family.
Our deepest condolences to Mike, their children and the entire family as well as those whose lives were touched by Cyndi through the tireless devotion and mentorship that she gave to various organizations including the cadet program. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.