Lyle Smith

EVERETT (LYLE) SMITH

With sadness we announce the passing of Everett “Lyle” Smith. Lyle was 68 years of age and passed away in his home in Pierson, Manitoba, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Left to cherish Lyle’s memory are his nieces, Lisa and Jacqueline; great-niece Ella and great-nephew Simon, all of Winnipeg. Lyle was predeceased by his parents, Delbert and Doris; sisters, Joan and Ruth; and brother, Irvin.

On June 7, 1957 Lyle was born in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan. He grew up in the prairie town of Pierson, located in the southwest corner of Manitoba. He was a child who relished the outdoors and would tell stories of his youth when he was out fishing, gopher hunting and often walking to search for bottles to turn in for pocket money. Lyle graduated from Pierson High School and then moved to Alberta to further his education. Lyle became a fully qualified, provincially certified journeyman steamfitter/pipefitter (with gas fitting and plumbing credentials). He stayed in Alberta through the 1980s where he worked (Fort McMurray) and made lifelong friends. Lyle returned home to care for his mother, Doris, throughout her illness. Following her passing, he remained in the family home, embracing a quieter pace of life and found comfort in the familiar landscape, especially the wide skies and open landscapes that defines this corner of the province. Through the years you would see Lyle in his jean jacket and cowboy boots, heading out to auctions looking for antiques and other treasures. A fan of country music, sports cars, trucks and collector vehicles. It was a cool sight to see him driving his Trans Am and Ranchero around town and into Winnipeg to see his sister.

Lyle loved to talk and connect with people. He was funny with a quick wit and a touch of sarcasm. He kept up with local and global news and ready with a fact to share. Lyle’s door was always open, and many friends stopped by the farmhouse over the years for a drink (Canadian whisky was his favourite), a catch-up, or a movie. Westerns were his favourite – never tiring of the classic storytelling. A laugh out loud comedy would be up next! Movies starring John Wayne, John Candy and Chris Farley were ready to be put on. Friends would find VHS and DVDs, thought of Lyle and brought them over for him to watch – a new movie was never turned away. In recent years, Lyle enjoyed his trips to the Purple Door in Pierson, where he loved browsing for more movies and finding bargains - moments that echoed the thrill of the past auction days.

A public graveside service for Lyle will be held at the Pierson Cemetery, Pierson, MB on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. A lunch will follow at the Pierson Hall.

Donations are welcome to support the creation of a memorial for Lyle that reflects his appreciation for community, nature, and wildlife conservation. Those wishing to contribute may contact the family at lisamonteith@hotmail.com or donate to the Pierson Cemetery Fund (c/o Municipality of Two Borders, Box 429, Melita, MB R0M 1L0).

From Lisa & Jacqueline: Thank you to Uncle Lyle’s friends and the community for all the support they provided, especially over the final few years when more care and time was needed to help him with home check-ins, travel to medical appointments, grocery shopping and delivery, picking up the mail, feeding the cats and maintaining the property. Special thanks to Michael Phair, Jack Hammell and Greg Nicholls. Memories of all the friends, including Wayne Tingey and Perry Hendry (passed away in 2014) sitting in the living room with Lyle laughing and swapping stories over the years are a warm memory for us. Extending gratitude to Deloraine Health Centre and Redpath Funeral Home in Melita for their care and compassion in helping us say goodbye to Uncle Lyle.

Uncle Lyle - we will forever see you standing there, waiting for us as we approach from Highway 3 to visit. You are there waving with a smile on your face standing beside the truck. As we pull up the cats scatter from under the truck to the barn and we see the lawn chairs already set out – your quiet invitation to sit and stay awhile. Now you are with the rest of our family for what we know will be a long, beautiful catch-up. We love you. We miss you.

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