It is with a heavy heart, we were informed by the Golden Valley Keperra Lions Club of the passing of past District Governor Lion Lyndsay Barton. Here we have a tribute to this inspiring gentleman through a synopsis of his life story.
Lyndsay was a kind and thoughtful person always putting others before himself. He was born on the 12th October 1926 in Maryborough and began his education in Maryborough spending most of his school years in Bundaberg. He then moved to Brisbane where he began his teacher training in 1944.
Lyndsay then met his true love Pat and they were married in Cedar Vale via Mt Larcom via Rockhampton in 1948. Along the way they produced four beautiful children, Paul, Linda, Mandy and Barbara.
Lyndsay graduated as a teacher and after a few months as a staff teacher at Goondiwindi, found himself as the Principal as well. He spent forty one years as the principal of schools including Coonwanga, Silent Grove Upper, Cedar Vale, Buneree, Wyandra, Mondue, Quinalow, Collinsville, Moranbah before he transferred to Grovely Primary School in Brisbane in 1976. Lyndsay had many interests including; gymnastics, boxing and playing the guitar in a jazz group. He also played A Grade Rugby League in Mackay as well as playing tennis with Pat. His brother Ivan introduced him to golf which he mastered quite well. He and Pat travelled extensively around Australia by road until their children left home after which they went to India, New Zealand, China, Hawaii, Norfolk Island, South America, Mexico, USA and Canada. Lyndsay’s dedication to his job increased and finally achieved his Bachelor of Education. He was made a life member of the Principals Association in Queensland. He and brother Ivan organized our annual golf day in aid of our Miss Personality Quest entrants.
Lyndsay joined Lions in 1972 and transferred to the Golden Valley Keperra from Moranbah in 1976. He has served in all board positions including President in 1981, 1987, Secretary in 1988 and Treasurer in 1982, 1989, and 1990. He was elected District Governor of 201Q3 in 1993. Lyndsay has been honored with Lions Awards including Melvin Jones Fellowship, Ian Fowler Award, Ray Phippard Award, Youth Skills and was made a Life Member of Lions Clubs International. He was credited with the setting up of the Youth Skills for excellence programme throughout Australia.
He and Pat always attended the club’s meetings and could always be found at fundraising and community events. Pat became a charter member of our Lioness Club in 1977. The duo moved to a retirement facility at Mount Warren Park to be closer to their family.
Lyndsay managed his medical situations quite well but his eye sight slowly deteriorated due to Glorcoma. Pat now has dementia but is still enjoying the facilities at the centre.
The Lions family would like to thank Lyndsay for his active service in their Lions Club and Lions Club International and for touching the lives of members with his exceptional 51 Years of Lions Service which will never be matched by most of us.
Lyndsay Barton: 12th October 1926 to 5th April 2023 – 96 Years and 6 Months