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
My deepest sympathy to all of Cyndi’s family and friends. We loved working with her here at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; her passion for youth empowerment was inspiring and her lovely strong caring personality shone through. Our hearts are heavy as we send love and support to her family.
Bob and I were deeply saddened to hear that Cyndi had passed away. We thought she was getting better and had no idea how ill she really was. I’ve known Cyndi since she was about 11. She grew up to be a lovely woman who had a big heart for family, friends, and pretty much anyone she met. My heart goes out to Mike and the kids for your loss. She loved you all so much. Our condolences to Diane and the siblings. You are all in my prayers.
We lost touch over the years but I have great memories of playing in your home in Sardis. As we grew into our adult years we connected every now and then. I’m so sorry that you are gone early. I know how much you cared for others and that those that you’ve touched in life will always remember you as a loving caring person.
I am so very saddened for you Michael and your children. Words fail me. Hold onto your family tightly for the strength they can give you and the comfort you can give each other.
“Sailor put down your oars, your watch now stands relieved”
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
PO2 Rob Freeman and Siobhan Liang
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and the entire family during this very difficult time.
My condolences to you and your family. Cyndi had a passion for the cadet program and would always try to improve processes and make things better for the cadets. I will remember our great chats at work and coffee runs she did for the volunteer judges at first aid competitions! Her impact and kindness will not be soon forgotten. RIP, Cyndi.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this small note.
I was saddened to hear of the terrible news of Cyndi’s passing. My family was lucky to have met Cyndi.
We will be forever grateful for her leadership and inspiration to our children. She enabled them to achieve the highest possible potential during the RCSCC Beacon Hill training program.
Most sincere condolences to Michael and the children.
Dear family,
So sorry for your loss.
Mike, I am saddened to hear about Cyndi. My sincerest condolences to you, your entire family and the Coulter family. I have fond memories of our times together in those early years out west when you first started dating Cyndi. I will treasure those memories. She was a real force of nature and I am so very sorry for your loss.