David A. Lyster of St. Johnsbury passed away at home Dec. 20, 2008, at the age of 57. David had had a hard time breathing in recent winter months and died of an asthmatic episode. He was born in St. Johnsbury on Nov. 8, 1951, the son of Allen and Catherine (Stephen) Lyster; they both passed away in March of 2004. David learned how to grow vegetables and flowers from his grandfather Morton and father Allen at Fairground Gardens located near the old dump, just south of St. Johnsbury. His green thumb was evidenced by the beautiful gardens he kept, both at his land in Waterford and at his Portland Street home; there during the summer, he maintained his signature colorful splash of flowers grown by the fence. David sold vegetables out of his truck stand in various places throughout the St. Johnsbury/Lyndonville area and even down in North Woodstock, N.H. It was nothing for David to drive up near Montreal the night before to buy wholesale fruits and vegetables to supplement his stand. David was also a painter by trade and did yard work and odd jobs mostly for older people in the area. Many of those who knew him would attest they never saw a man work as hard as David Lyster. After a satisfying hard day's work, David would understate that he only put in half a day's work (12 hours!). He is survived by his sister Mattie Barrett and her husband Ronald of Lyndonville; Mattie's children Matthew, Andrew, Catherine, and Kimberly; several cousins. He has several friends who, as young lads, learned the value of a good day's work toiling in the gardens and doing odd jobs with David. David Lyster was a unique individual whose life should be celebrated. Funeral services will be held this Saturday, Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. at the North Congregational Church, a place he worked on just this past summer. The Rev. Jay Sprout will officiate. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Friday evening from 6 - 8 p.m. He will be buried with his parents at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial contributions could be directed to Umbrella, 1222 Main St. Suite #301, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.