Lise Tompson - Cyr

On the afternoon of July 31, 2015, Lise passed away in the presence of her adoring husband, Gordon Cyr and loving daughter, Jennifer Tompson, after a 6-year battle with cancer. She leaves behind many dear relatives and friends.

Lise was born on February 25, 1959 in Témiscaming, Quebec to Roland and Jeannine Violette and was a sister to John (Leslie) and Melody.

Lise moved from Quebec to Mayo, Yukon at the age of twenty where she met and married renowned helicopter pilot Will Tompson. The next decade was spent cooking in bush camps throughout the Yukon, supporting the mineral exploration and mining industry. No one would have guessed that this was the start of a long and successful family business. In 1984, Lise hired her first employee and 1984 Inc. was officially founded - supplying cooks, first aid and safety personnel to remote exploration and mining camps. Her daughter Jennifer was born during this time and was raised alongside a host of geologists, drillers, pilots and outfitters and once old enough, she too began cooking in remote camps. Over the years, Lise expanded 1984 Inc., with Jennifer continuing to work at her side. Today, the 1984 Group of Companies continues to offer a holistic, turnkey approach to staffing and safety that includes training, career development, business opportunities and benefits to the many communities they operate in.

In an industry so often dominated by men, Lise stood out. She had style, presence and intelligence, and surrounded herself with colleagues and employees that were as passionate and dedicated to the industry as she was. She shrewdly recognized talent in others and would be the first to listen, offer guidance and her own resources to someone trying to improve their skills or create something new.

Her marriage to Gordon Cyr, President of Cyr Drilling, was a union of equals - both having built family owned and operated businesses catering predominantly to the mining industry. Though their paths crossed many times, it wasn’t until 2008 that they realized a kinship in one another and in 2012 they were married.

Business aside, Lise and Gord traveled extensively together and with family, visiting Europe, South Africa and Turks & Caicos. Lise was a master at living life with joy and many will remember her infectious laugh which was always close to the surface. Lise was in her element at the home she shared with Gordon in Horseshoe Bay with their dog Chanel by their side, a bottle of wine and a view of the ocean.

Powerhouse, warrior and fighter are also words that speak volumes about Lise. She stood up for herself and others and was never afraid to speak the truth or stand her ground. Her confidence was absolute; she demanded the best from herself and those around her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sophie Sun of the BC Cancer Clinic and her GP, Dr. Richard Horner for their care of Lise during her fight.

A service will be held on August 22, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Society.