Obituary of Lyall Davies

DAVIES - Mr. Lyall Davies, resident of the Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home in Regina, former long-time resident of Springside, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Regina General Hospital following a time of failing health with Alzheimers disease. Edward Lyall Davies was born in Springside on June 27, 1932, son of Edward and Estella (nee Haacke) Davies. He was raised in Springside where he attended school through to Grade 12. He was awarded the Governor General's Award for Saskatchewan for grade 12 academic achievements. Following high school, Lyall left Springside to attend the University of BC, University of Toronto and University of Saskatchewan, earning degrees in Social Work, Business Administration and also a teacher's certificate. Following his university years, he worked for a few years in the banking business then taught high school in Theodore for several years. In 1969, he began his career with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) where he worked until his retirement from the Federal Government in 1991. When Lyall's health wouldn't allow him to live on his own in Springside, he was moved to Regina to be closer to his family. He enjoyed a year at the Renaissance Retirement Residence and later moved to the Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home where he lived until his passing. Lyall was married to Andrea (nee Andrews) on December 26, 1965 and together raised 7 children - David, Dean, Clark, Carman, Lana, Lynn and Brock. Lyall took great pride in his children and encouraged them to get involved in sports, music, church and school activities and did his best to attend every event he could. Lyall enjoyed watching his kids compete in sports including hockey, baseball, figure skating and curling and often found himself coaching. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play hockey, baseball and soccer whenever he had the opportunity and enjoyed spending his summers at Good Spirit Lake where he socialized with friends and family. Lyall had a genuine interest in people and always enjoyed visiting with old friends and making new acquaintances. He will be truly be missed by all. Lyall was a member of the Springside United Church, Theodore Mason's Lodge, Yorkton Legion and a board member of the Springside Credit Union for many years. In his younger years he was active in baseball, pitching for the Springside/Theodore Combines. He played hockey from a young age and enjoyed years of hockey with his long time friends on the Springside old timers. He was also an avid curler, enjoying the many bonspiels in and around Springside. Lyall was predeceased by his wife, Andrea (1986), his mother Estella (1989) his father, Edward (1992), Andrea's parents, Andy and Ruth Andrews and her sister, Maureen. Lyall leaves to cherish his memory: Seven children; David of Kelowna, Dean (Kathy) of Regina, Clark (Janice) of Calgary, Carman (Dinalle) of Saskatoon, Lana (Greg) of Regina, Lynn of Regina and Brock of Regina; Seven grandchildren: Jody, Dryden, Avia, Dawson, Kelsey, Kolby and Gavin. The funeral service was held on Friday, March 25, 2011 from the Springside Baptist Church in Springside, with Rolanda Taylor of the United Church of Canada officiating. Jeanette Kriger and Loreen Tillman led the congregation on the piano and organ in the singing of the hymns 'What A Friend We Have in Jesus', and 'How Great Thou Art', the recessional music was 'Mansion Over the Hilltop'. A tribute to Lyall was given by family friend Grant Laube. Honorary bearers were Donn Laube, Floyd Davies, Harvey & Evelyn Sturtz, Paul & Rose Ponak, Don & Lenore Davies, Leith & June Pinder, Bob & Jeanette Kriger, Garry & Wilma Pottle, and Gord & Myrna Townsend. The interment followed in the Springside Cemetery with Lyall's five sons David, Dean, Clark, Carman and Brock and grandson Dryden serving as the casketbearers. Memorials were directed to the Alzheimers Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, March 25th, 2011, Springside Baptist Church Interment Details Springside Town Cemetery