Tribute

It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on August 13, 2017 at the age of 97 in South Surrey B.C. Lyla slipped away peacefully surrounded by love and with family by her side.

Lyla was born on January 25th, 1920 in Tyndall Manitoba where she was raised alongside her 10 siblings. Later while working at McDonald Aircraft Lyla met and married Fred, a pilot with the RCAF, on February 07, 1942 in Winnipeg. She loved the outdoors having fun fishing, camping, canoeing, golfing and curling with their children and family.  In her later years her focus was her grandchildren and great- grandsons who brought much joy and laughter into her life.

We will always remember her compassion, sense of humour and generous kind caring nature touched with a wonderful dash of feistiness. Lyla’s brothers, sisters and family were cherished and meant the world to her. Lyla will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Marilyn Brown (Ken); granddaughter Christine Shumaker (Jim);  grandson Kevin Brown (Linda);  daughter-in-law Judy; grandsons Brent Downie and Scott Downie; great-grandsons, Nolan Brown and Bowen Brown.

Lyla is survived by her brother Raymond (Joan); sisters, Mildred McManus, Ina Goyeau, Dorthy Johnson and Doreen Jardeen. She was predeceased by her husband Fred Downie (1975), son Douglas Downie (2013); brothers, Armand Blair and Cecil Blair;  sisters,  Elsie Johnson, Florence Dunwoody and Doris Robertson; her parents Seline (nee Halverson) Blair and Emil (nee Buler) Blair from Sweden.

A private family Celebration of Life was held on August 20th, 2017.  Interment beside her loving husband Fred Downie took place in a private service at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, Brandon Manitoba on September 28, 2017.