Roger McKay Lyda

Roger M. Lyda, 84, of Asheville passed away on Friday, June 1st.

Born December 27, 1933 to Emory E. Lyda and Fannie Robinson Lyda, he was raised in Oakley and Fairview and graduated from Lee Edwards High. He was a graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in Civil Engineering. He owned Lyda Associates Engineering and Land Planning on Main Street in Weaverville for many years.  He was a talented and well-respected Engineer. He designed many building projects and subdivisions in the Asheville area- Sondley Estates, Ballantree, and Fairview Downs to name a few. He retired from the Town of Canton as the Director of Public Works in 2003 after enjoying 24 years serving the people of Canton.

He was a true Christmas Scrooge and loved playing the part in the Canton Christmas parade- never missing an opportunity to say 'Bah Humbug'. He always had a story to tell (often quite long) a song to hum, and a squirrel to feed.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Marguerita 'Rita' Lyda. Children Steven Lyda of Winston-Salem, Alisa Taylor (Eric) of Asheville, John Lyda (Amy) of Swannanoa, Mike Lyda (Kim) of Concord, NC.

Grandchildren Chloe, Sam, Keegan and Sadie Lyda of Swannanoa. Kaleb Lyda of Chapel Hill, Emory Lyda of Concord, Great Granddaughter Riley, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings Jean, Bobbie, Fred, infant brother Emory Jr., nephews Mark and Bruce and Grandsons Jacob Lyda and Alex Taylor.

Friends and Relatives are invited to a drop in visitation/celebration of life at Black Mountain Bistro, 203 E. State Street, Black Mountain on Sunday, June 10th from 3:00-4:30. 

In keeping with his wishes, a private funeral will be held for the family.

Donations may be made in his memory to The Choir School at St. Peters, 115 W. Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605. Both organizations were close to his heart for roles they played in Grandson Alex's life.

May the Lord bless him, keep him, and may Light perpetual shine upon him. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger McKay Lyda, please visit our floral store.