Roy Andrew Lyall
Peacefully with his family by his side, Roy Lyall passed away on May 28, 2025, at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 103 years.
Left to cherish his memory is his daughter Sylvia Lyall (Darrell Fiel), daughter-in-law Shelley Lyall (Doug Poschenreider), and special nephew Lindsay (Lynda) Lyall; Grandchildren David Lyall (Gilllian Dinwoodie) and great granddaughter Cortney, Dana McCallum (Darren) and great grandchildren Cassie, Chase and Ethan, Carly Kontzie (Ryan) and great grandchildren Layne, Brantley and Kade; as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great, great nieces and nephews here in Canada and many extended family members in Scotland who were all important in Roy’s life. He will also be missed by his many younger friends who affectionately called him “dad”, “Uncle Roy” or simply Roy.
Roy was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce and son Craig, parents James and Elizabeth Lyall; brothers and sister; James (Annie) Donald, John (Laura) Lyall, Jean (Howard) McDonald, Jim (Margaret) Lyall, Fred (Margaret) Lyall; parents-in-laws Jens and Janet Faurschou, brother and sister in-laws, Ralph (Ella) Faurschou, Helen (Grenville) Smith, Gerald (Patricia) Faurschou, Audrey Faurschou and several nephews and nieces.
Dad was born in Portage la Prairie and attended Ferriss School through Grade 10. From a young age, he worked alongside his father and brother John on the family farm south of Edwin. He developed a keen interest in cattle early on and began raising Herefords, which later evolved into a passion for Registered Polled Herefords.
In 1950, Dad married the love of his life, my mom Joyce. Together, they raised their family and operated a mixed grain and cattle farm for over 50 years. In 2008, they retired to Portage la Prairie where dad continued on his farming tradition by planting numerous cherry and apple trees, raspberry bushes and grapevines.
Throughout his life, Dad was deeply community minded. In the era of one-room schoolhouses, he served as a school trustee and later on after amalgamation, he worked as a spare bus driver. He was involved in 4-H as a youth and later supported the Poplar Bluff Beef Club as a parent. He also served on the local Manitoba Pool Elevator Board for several years.
In his mid-life, Dad became active in grassroots political organizations and even stood for election several times, driven by a desire to make a difference in the country.
Family was always central to Dad’s life. Sundays were cherished as “family day,” often spent on drives or picnics with the Munro and Askin families. He was a proud grandpa and an even prouder great-grandpa and always kept in touch with nieces and nephews. His commitment to extended family led him to travel to Scotland several times, maintaining strong ties with cousins there throughout his life.
Music was a big part of his life, and he began playing the violin at the age of 11, after his brother John showed him how to play it. Dad had a musical ear and didn’t need sheet music to play and as long as someone could play the tune, dad would follow along and pick it up. In the 1940’s dad joined the Walter Mahon band for several years playing community halls and barn dances throughout the Central Plains area.
After he and mom married and started raising their two children, family became the priority and music became secondary. Time was spent enjoying family activities. When Craig and I were old enough, Dad and Mom started attending Friday night dances at the West End Hall with the Munros and eventually MacGregor dances were added. Later on, Thursday jam sessions at Treherne with the Saints became part of their weekly routine.
In his later years, dad continued playing music with his band the Versatiles, performing at various events in the area including Friday afternoon dances at the Herman Prior Centre and playing for the residents of the personal care homes in Portage and MacGregor. In his early 90’s he began sharing his love of music through lessons to his friend, Lily Mallard who also shared his love of old time music. Even after he moved to the Manor, he would occasionally play and enjoyed his visits with Lily when they would play their violins together. He also loved to sing along to all the “oldies” with Pat Shuttleworth when she played the piano for him.
Dad lived a full life and always told me he had lived a good life. He was always amazed but proud of the fact that he lived to be 103.
When it’s time to travel there, I think I’ll wear a smile, I’ll say good-bye to those I love, but only for a while, Knowing there are others who have traveled there alone, Who cannot wait to greet me and to whisper “welcome home.” – author unknown
Viewing and visitation will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel followed by the interment at Hillside Cemetery.
A Celebration of Roy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Trinity United Church at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by registering at the link below.
Donations in memory of Roy may be made to a charity close to your heart.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.