Ryder Edward Lefurgy

January 7, 1981 - April 23, 2024

Tuesday April 23, 2024 Ryder Lefurgy unexpectedly passed away in Chilliwack BC.

Ryder was born in Chilliwack BC on January 7th 1981 to Edward and Estelle Lefurgy of Lookout Road in Ryder Lake. Ryder was named after where he grew up and throughout his life was always a close member of the Ryder Lake and Chilliwack communities.

Three brothers surrounded Ryder as he grew up 'on the hill': Mike Lefurgy (Veronica and daughters Kaelyn, Sierra and Hannah of Pennsylvania), Gerald Lefurgy (Vanessa Lefurgy of Sydney Australia) and Edward Lefurgy (Stephanie and step-daughter Isabella of Lake Country).

Growing up Ryder was a member of Chilliwack School District's Enrichment Program for gifted students. He served as the Drum Major of the Marching Band at Chilliwack Junior High. In 1999 he was elected Valedictorian by his fellow students when he graduated from Chilliwack Secondary. He then continued his education at the University of British Columbia.

While attending university the negotiation and debating skills he'd first learned while growing up in Ryder Lake with his three brothers really came into fruition. Indeed, Ryder's intellectual curiosity gave him the admirable gift of being able to talk to anyone about anything.

It was during his time at Chilliwack Junior High that he met the love of his life, Kara Lefurgy (nee Morgan). Both Kara and Ryder would go on to study at UBC together where they continued to build their love story before moving back to Chilliwack after university to start their family. They married on December 27, 2005 in Vancouver, BC. Soon after they began to grow their family as they welcomed Lily Rose Lefurgy (16), Ella May Lefurgy (14) and Theodore Ryder Lefurgy (11).

All those who came to know the Lefurgy family knew the loving home that was created. Ryder's devotion to his family was inspired by both his upbringing in his own tight-knit family and the close family connections found within the Morgan family as well.

Despite his long work days, Ryder always prioritized his time with his family. Whether it was evenings at CSOPA, supporting the kids karate tournaments or editing essays, Ryder was a present and loving father. No request from his family went unanswered.

Ryder was a true 'Renaissance Man' as he had many interests and talents. Beyond being an incredible father, he was also an amazing husband. Ryder loved being Kara's husband and adored and supported her always. Ryder was constantly eager to pronounce his love to her. Indeed, Ryder doted on Kara from the moment they started dating during Grade 9 in the halls of Chilliwack Junior High.

The Morgan family loves recounting how they were awakened one morning to a young Ryder in the backyard serenading Kara with a rousing trombone rendition of 'Stand by Me.' Ryder also had a love for sports. He enjoyed rooting for the Toronto Blue Jays, listening to sports radio and celebrating Super Bowl Sundays with his family.

Ryder's love for literature was evident as he became a proficient writer and academic while studying at UBC. His love for history, politics and debating were clear to anyone who met him. Ryder would take either side of the argument for the pleasure of a good debate.

Loyalty was a virtue that Ryder had an abundance of, and this was evident not only in his relationships with family and friends but also in his sense of duty in his work.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a www.gofundme.com page under the name Ryder Lefurgy.

The Celebration of Life will be held at Evergreen Hall in Chilliwack Sunday June 2, 2024 at 10:00am and the community is invited to attend.