It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lyle on Thursday June 16, 2005 in Chilliwack. Lyle was born in Chilliwack, January 29, 1925.
The Gillanders were a pioneer family in British Columbia. Settling in the Rosedale area in 1873, where Lyle’s great grandfather Donald, his wife and 7 children claimed and settled over 1,000 acres. Lyle’s brother, Robert, still lives and works on part of the original 1000 acres. The families activities centered around the pioneering spirit of the time which included the laying of the foundations of the Cheam Church, the founding of the Methodist Church in Chilliwack, now the United Church, they were founding members of the milk producers in the Valley which evolved into Dairyland and helped found the original Chilliwack Hospital. Along with other families they built the original road that runs from Chilliwack to Popkum, now Yale Road.
Lyle, in his early adult years worked the family farm on Gillanders Road and eventually found himself following the pioneering sprit and in the 1950’s started his career in the booming construction industry in BC and remained in the construction industry until he retired in 1983. Lyle worked on the building of the new Fraser Canyon highway in the 50’s and 60’s, the expansion of the BC Electric (BC Hydro) system, the Deas Island Tunnel (Massey Tunnel), the trans Canada highway, the Island Highway, the MacMillan Bloedel Building and the Royal Center in Vancouver, and a number of BC’s major natural gas and oil pipelines. For 49 years, until his passing, he remained an active union member of Local 115, Operating Engineers.
He resided in Chilliwack his entire life and in his retirement years enjoyed the best of BC and Chilliwack. Enjoying fishing, gardening, his family, the community and his visits with his coffee mates at the Airport Café and the Royal Hotel.
Lyle will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Victoria, brother Robert; sisters Joan, Alva and Claire; son’s and their wives Bruce; Larry and Claudia; Michael and Cindy; daughter; Valerie; 6th generation grandchildren, Megan, Ryan, Leah, Justin, Kristan and Jenna.
Memorial Service: Wednesday, 1:00 PM June 22, 2005 at Henderson’s, Chilliwack followed by a gathering at the Royal Hotel, Chilliwack at 3:00 PM, all friends are invited to have tea and celebrate and share in the memories of Lyle’s life.