Lyle (Gilligan) Arthur Gill
In the Early morning hours of June 7th, 2021, Lyle passed away peacefully at his home.
Lyle was born on March 29th, 1941 and spent his childhood years in Emo.
Lyle enjoyed a 30 plus year aviation career that took off in the early 1960’s in Red Lake, where he formed many lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to fly a variety of aircraft in his career. Throughout the years Lyle’s flight time was spent working for different air services in Northwestern Ontario, as well as time working for the province of Manitoba as a water bomber and air ambulance pilot. Lyle logged countless hours which took him from the far north, all across Canada and with flights south into the USA. For a time Lyle owned and operated Bordaire in Fort Frances and was proud of his time flying his MU-2. One highlight of his flying career was being the norseman pilot in the movie Grey Owl. Finally landing in Emo he wrapped up his flying time with private air services in the district.
In Lyle’s retirement he loved staying busy, travel outings with friends, meeting new people and at times worked as many as 3 part time jobs, which he enjoyed. Lyle had a passion for all sports and enjoyed watching everything from football to horse races, having side bets with friends, and always looked forward to his daily 4 o’clock crib match. Maintaining his large yard and garden was always a priority, never missing a grass cut. He always made time to lend a hand to family and friends. Lyle was a grill master and you could always count on him to surprise you with a tray of his famous caesars a.k.a. “seizures” when family got together, along with a good laugh or two.
Lyle was predeceased by his parents Web and Irene, brothers Derald and Wayne, sister-in-law Coreen, brother in-law Bill McKie, and Hal Harasymyk. He will be forever missed by his daughter Susan (Winnipeg), sister Nonie (Thunder Bay), long time partner Janice Harasymyk and family (Emo). He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and many within the aviation community.
Cheers Lyle, fly high – we love and miss you!
