Lyle Ernest Steward, age 83, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003 at Chilliwack General Hospital, following a sudden illness after living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
He will be fondly remembered by his loving wife Frances; daughter Diane (Ian) Wicker; grandchildren, Sean (Christina) Wicker and Eryn Wicker; great-grandson Cole Wicker; sister Audrey McConnell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; and three brothers.
Lyle was born December 9, 1919 in Springwater, Sask. The family then moved to Saskatoon before eventually settling in Medstead in 1933. He met Frances, his future wife, immediately, and divided his time between her, school, work at the creamery, and hockey.
Lyle and Frances married May 2, 1941 in a small family ceremony in North Battleford. Shortly after, he went overseas where he was a wireless air gunner for the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. After his return, Lyle and Frances moved to Chilliwack in 1947 where their daughter Diane was born a year later. He began work at the Sardis Milk Plant where he would become superintendent of the butter department until his retirement in 1980.
Hockey had always been a passion of Lyle’s - whether it be playing, coaching his grandson Sean, or as a spectator. On the other end of the spectrum, Lyle and Frances enjoyed square dancing for nearly three decades, and were honourary lifetime members of the Rhythm Reelers. Camping, trailering, and golfing rounded out his days back then, and became perfect retirement activities for he and Frances as well.
Lyle was known as a friendly and outgoing person who always wore a smile. One of his greatest qualities was his love for his family, exemplified by the support and generosity he showed Diane, Ian, Sean, and Eryn. This was also evident in his longstanding membership at Chilliwack United Church where he and Frances worshipped since moving to the area.
Unfortunately, Lyle’s memory began to decline, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in 1998. He lived at home where Frances cared for him until 2001 when he moved to Heritage Village, a longterm care facility.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all the staff, volunteers, and residents and their families at Heritage Village for their time, patience, care, and support, especially the neighbourhoods of Greendale and Aquadel where Lyle lived. The family would also like to thank the staff of Nursing Unit 3 and the Emergency Department at Chilliwack General Hospital. Special thank yous to Henderson’s Funeral Home for their compassion, and Rev. Doug Ireland and the United Church Women’s group for their helpfulness and concern.
The funeral service will be held Monday, Feb. 10, 2003 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Henderson’s Funeral Home, with a reception to follow in the Tea Room.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to either the Alzheimer’s Society or the Heritage Village Life Enrichment Fund.
He will be forever in our hearts.