Former LIA Vice President remembered for contributions in advancing Inuit issues, concerns

February 7, 2021

On behalf of the Nunatsiavut Government and Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, President Johannes Lampe today extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Robert Lyall, who passed away February 5 at the age of 89.

Mr. Lyall was born in Hebron in 1932, and later moved to Nain and then Hopedale. A former educator, after receiving training at the age 14, he taught school in Nain in the late 1940s. In 1956 he and new wife Hilda moved from Hopedale to North West River, and later to Happy Valley-Goose Bay where they raised their family.

Mr. Lyall retired in 1996 after more than 30 years as a maintenance worker and supervisor at the Melville Hospital and Paddon Home in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He was an active member of the Moravian Church, and served on a number of boards and organizations, including Vice President of the former Labrador Inuit Association from 1978-1980.

“Mr. Lyall was very much respected elder, and helped a lot of Labrador Inuit during the early days of the Labrador Inuit Association – particularly those who lived in the Upper Lake Melville area,” notes President Lampe. “He will be remembered for the tremendous contributions he’s made over the years in advancing issues and concerns of Labrador Inuit. He will be sorely missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

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Bert Pomeroy
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