Lyle Smith

It is with great sadness that the family of Lyle Harvey Smith announce his unexpected passing on September 12th, 2023.  For two days prior to his passing, Lyle was surrounded by his family and spoke to many by video chat and telephone.  He retold stories from the past and enjoyed precious time with those who loved him. In the early morning of the 12th Lyle passed peacefully in his sleep with Yvonne at his side. Those two days before his passing will forever be cherished. Lyle was 81 years old.

For the last 30+ years Lyle has resided in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba with his loving wife Yvonne. Lyle was born in Virden, Manitoba to Leslie and Elsie Smith (both predeceased) on January 13th, 1942. Lyle had 3 younger siblings, Glen, Wayne, and Margaret.  At 19, Lyle married Cecil Stevenson (predeceased) and had 4 children – Richard Vaughn, Shawna Leslie (predeceased), Darryl Glen, and Lila Dawn (predeceased). In 1980 Lyle married Yvonne and had 1 child, Danielle Renee.

This year Lyle met his goal of working 60 years as a carpenter. Over his career he lived in several places in Saskatchewan and Manitoba including Brandon, Dauphin, Saskatoon, Gimli, Lockport, Crystal City, Lac Laronge, Wadena, Nipawin, Birch Hills, and Winnipeg. He had his own carpentry business since moving to Gilbert Plains. Prior to this, his last employer was Gateway Construction as a Construction Superintendent.  

Everyone knew Lyle’s love for sports, especially the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets. He supported the Toronto Blue Jays and even the Toronto Raptors. He always supported the Manitoban/Canadian teams in all sports. Sports (or the news) were always on the television. Multiple games on several channels were no challenge as he flipped between games.

Lyle was still working on the odd carpentry job around town – always saying he would never quit working. He was a big part of the community of Gilbert Plains, serving on town council for 8 years as councillor/deputy mayor and mayor for 8 years. At the time of his passing Lyle was serving as the Gilbert Plains Legion president. He also served as a member of the Gilbert Plains Lion’s Club and sat on the St. Paul’s United Church board. Gilbert Plains was a big part of Lyle’s life and was very proud of belonging to the community.

Lyle and Yvonne often could be found “going for a tour” or going for “therapy” with Jim and Edith. Lyle had many friends – too many to name, and he will be missed by all. He loved going to the Legion on Friday evenings to discuss all the games at great length with Tom. Lyle will be missed by his “adopted” son Curt (Carla) Gullet, his neighbor Cory Robak, and his daughter Sam.

Lyle will be mourned by his wife Yvonne Smith. They were together for 46 years, married for 43. He is also mourned by Yvonne’s stepdad, William Martinson (Mary Michaluk’s (predeased) long time partner), son Richard Smith, son Darryl Smith (Kristine Saskosky), son-in-law Dan Wasylko (Shawna’s husband), daughter Danielle Renee Smith (Charles Mandamin), brother Glen (Karen) Smith, brother Wayne (Val) Smith, sister Margaret (Ram) Samsoondar, brother-in-law James and wife Edith Michaluk, brother-in-law Larry (Rose) Michaluk. Three granddaughters Kara (Matthew) Smith Nickerson, Krystin (Adam) Okano, and Leah (Brandon) Laplante; and two grandsons Jordan and Michael Smith. Lyle dearly loved his 5 great grandchildren – Kashis, Mila, Athena, Dustin, and Violet, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces/nephews.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the Prairie Mountain Health Ambulance Service, the Dauphin Regional Health Centre – especially Dr. Ungarian, all the nurses, health care aides, and all the support staff on the 2nd floor. A very special thank you to Dr. Gilbert Bretecher for visiting dad in the hospital – it truly meant a lot.

Love you dad. Forever.

A celebration of Lyle's life was held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. from the Richardson Pioneer Community Hall in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba.  Reverend Steve Wilson officiated.

Inurnment followed in the Chatsworth Cemetery, Gilbert Plains, Manitoba.

The service was live streamed for those unable to attend, and can be viewed here.

Should friends so desire, donations in Lyle's memory may be made to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, or to Cancer Care Manitoba.

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