Laurel Sybilrud

Laurel Sybilrud was an intrepid adventurer who loved kayaking, loved people, and embodied the spirit of river recreation conservationists.

Laurel discovered a passion for kayaking and camping in her later years and what she called her “paddle buddies”. She was a long-time participant of our Paddle Georgia trips, our annual week-long environmental education adventure, and loved to connect with fellow paddlers. Laurel brought much light to our paddle trips and was eager to give back to grow the community.

For example, Laurel was among the first to sign up for our Rescue for Rec Boaters class to learn rescue techniques to improve safety on our paddle trips. Though she was in her 70s at the time, she kept exploring Georgia rivers and speaking for their protection.

In a 2018 story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she told the paper: “There is no more peaceful place than paddling on a river. I’ve often thought when you look at nature from a river you have to believe in God and without him, I’d have no hope.”

We were blessed to know Laurel and call her a friend. Our condolences to her husband Mike and her family. Read Laurel Sybilrud’s obituary here.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338.

Laurel’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her memory to Georgia Rivers or the Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Donate here.

Leave a legacy gift to Georgia Rivers to protect and connect others with our rivers for generations to come. Learn more about planned giving here.