Lyn Bannister, founder of the Bannister Automotive Group
Family, friends and employees of Lyn Bannister, founder of the Bannister Automotive Group, one of the largest retail dealer groups in Western Canada, are mourning his sudden passing while also celebrating the legacy of his career and the values he instilled throughout his life and business.
Bannister died unexpectedly of a heart attack on March 30 in La Quinta, California, where he and his wife, Joanne, had a winter home. He was 83 and retired.
The Bannister Automotive Group has 23 rooftops across B.C. and Alberta, representing Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Ford, GM, Honda, Kia, Hyundai and Nissan. It also includes a Harley-Davidson store, a trucking company and a motorsports outlet.
The Bannisters’ three children — Mary-Jo, Chad and Mark — who followed him into the family business, issued a statement on behalf of their father and mother, Joanne, to more than 1,000 employees across the group. A copy was shared with Canadian auto dealer.
“There are no words that can fully express the sorrow and loss we feel. At the same time, there are no words that can fully express our gratitude for the many of you who have reached out with messages of support and condolences.
“Lyn loved the car business. He truly loved it. But what he loved even more was the people who make up the Bannister Automotive Group. The relationships, the conversations and the energy he felt during store visits… those were among his happiest moments.
“Our Mom, Joanne, the three of us, along with our spouses and families, feel incredibly fortunate to have shared our lives with him, and grateful for the many ways each of you impacted his life.
“We will carry his values forward in how we support each other and serve our customers. Thank you for being part of what meant so much to him.”
In a separate email to Canadian auto dealer, Mark Bannister said: “Lyn was almost always smiling and carried a naturally positive outlook. He had a way of lighting up a room, and people consistently walked away from time with him feeling better than when they arrived. Lyn had a rare gift for connecting with people.
“He genuinely cared about your family, your story and how you were doing. He had a way of making every interaction feel important. He loved being in the dealerships, walking the floor, shaking hands, sharing a laugh and feeling the energy of the team. Lyn was almost always smiling and (the dealership) was his happy place.”
Mark said his father found the same joy in La Quinta on the golf course with close friends. He added that his father’s quick wit and playful taunts became his signature and a sign you were part of his circle.
“He lived life with enthusiasm and intention,” said Mark. “He believed in showing up with energy, bringing your best and often reminded those around him to ‘enjoy the moments.’
“It wasn’t something he just said, it was how he lived.”
The Bannister Automotive Group also issued a statement.
“On behalf of the entire group, we join in mourning the loss of our founder, Lyn Bannister. Lyn is the foundation of who we are today. His vision, work ethic and belief in people built this organization from the ground up.
“He cared deeply about this business, but he cared even more about the people in it. Lyn was a first-class person. He treated people with respect, took a genuine interest in their lives, and pushed them to be better because he believed they could be.
“Those who knew him felt his impact. His energy was real, his expectations were clear, and his commitment to people never wavered.
“His legacy lives on in every dealership, every team and every interaction across the group. The culture he built — accountability, care and pride — will continue to guide us. The best way we can honour Lyn is by continuing to show up for each other and carry forward the standard he set.
“Lyn Bannister will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”
Bannister Vernon GM’s Phil McConkey posted: “I was fortunate to have known Lyn for the past eight years, a small window compared to the legacy he built, but in that time it was clear how much he valued people. One thing he said has always stayed with me, ‘communication is everything.’ He lived that every day.”
Born James Lyn Bannister in Saskatoon in 1943, Bannister had an avid interest in sports, particularly hockey, and academics. He earned a scholarship to the University of Denver. On a trip home, he met Joanne, and they quickly fell in love, discussing marriage within weeks. Mark Bannister said that decisiveness and clarity became hallmarks of how his father lived his life.
He graduated with a degree in physical education and later earned a master of education in Minnesota. He spent a decade there teaching while also coaching university hockey.
He and Joanne married in 1966 and returned to Canada. Bannister developed a passion for the automotive business and demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, starting in sales before entering into a partnership. He became owner of his first dealership, a Pontiac Buick store in Barrhead, Alta., in 1981 with financial backing from Motors Holding, a division of GM.
In Barrhead, Lyn and Joanne started a family and began what would become a much larger journey.
They sold that dealership in 1990 and moved to Vernon, B.C., purchasing Vernon Motor Products and laying the foundation for the Bannister Automotive Group. The company expanded steadily, adding stores and brands while maintaining a focus on family values and community.
In 1996, Bannister was honoured with Maclean’s magazine’s Dealer of Excellence Award for B.C., recognizing the top new-car dealers across Canada. He appeared on the cover under the headline “Lyn Bannister – The Driving Force.”
The group was also recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte Canada.
He served on numerous automotive industry boards at the local, provincial and national levels.
In 2023, the group donated $1.5 million to the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
Lyn Bannister is survived by his wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren, a great-granddaughter and a brother.
A service will be held May 23 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Kelowna. A livestream will be available. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to B.C. Cancer – Kelowna, 399 Royal Ave., Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 5L3.
