Lasting Memories

Lyle Connell
Nov. 12, 1921-Feb. 23, 2022
Palo Alto, California

Lyle Connell passed away on February 23rd, 2022 at the age of 100. Active and alert until his final day, Lyle was a dedicated father, teacher, leader, helper and friend.

Lyle was born on November 12, 1921 in Ogden Utah. He graduated with honors from the University of Utah with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. It was there that Lyle met his future wife Gwen Cramer. They were married in 1948 in Salt Lake City. After serving as an officer in the US Navy during World War II, Lyle earned an MBA at Stanford University. He then joined Westinghouse Corporation and served in various local and corporate level management positions including Director of Quality for the corporation. Following retirement Lyle worked another decade as a Quality Management Consultant for multinational telecommunication companies.

Lyle was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For many years, he donated time each week assisting with financial oversight and the management of computer systems and information networks. He liked working with youth as a Scoutmaster, and had the rare gift of relating well to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Lyle enjoyed his Rotary Club associates, meetings and community service. At age 80 he became the editor, graphic designer and photographer for Rotary’s weekly newsletter, the Pinion, and continued in this role for two decades, working on the publication past his 100th birthday!

Study Group and movie nights with close friends were some of Lyles favorite activities. Lyle also loved the outdoors and had a special affinity for the high Sierras where he periodically took his family to hike, fish, sail, and photograph wildflowers. An accomplished woodworker, he also enjoyed restoring antique furniture.

Understated and service oriented comes to the mind of all who knew and loved Lyle Connell and his wife Gwen who preceded him in death by 9 years. Friends, family, and co-workers knew they could count on Lyle - when personal or community needs arose, Lyle was always there to help in a quiet, capable manner.

Lyle is survived by his sons Bryan, Warren, David, and John, his daughter-in-law Joanne Koch and granddaughter Lindsey.