Lyle Ralph Hudson passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family at his side, on Friday morning, April 29, 2016 at La Verendrye Hospital in Frances, Ont.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Pat, the love of his life and his very best friend.
They were looking forward to celebrating 58 years of marriage on May 17 of this year. Lyle was a husband, a son, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather.
Lyle also is survived by his son, Bruce (Joanne) of Carstairs, Alta., and daughters, Sheila Krenz (David) of Coquitlam, B.C., Janet Griffiths (David) of Ignace, Ont., and Lori-Anne Vallis (Bruce) of Cincinnati, Ohio.
He also is survived by eight grandchildren, Amber, Kyle, Thomas, Andrew, Jennifer, John David, Emily, and Michael; and five great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Madison, Phoebe, Alexander James, and Natalie.
Lyle will be sadly missed by his brother, Dennis of Oliver B.C.; and sister, Sharon Lundahl (Stephen) of Duncan, B.C.
Born on Jan. 17, 1937, Lyle had a strong work ethic. He started working in the Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company on May 7, 1956 and retired in 1992 after 37 years in the paper mill.
He joined the International Brotherhood of Pulp and Sulphite and Paperworkers’ Union 1330 in 1956. Throughout the years, he held various executive positions from 1958, including president of the union from l972-79.
In 1963, Lyle was initiated into the Knights of Columbus Council 2806, Father Lacombe Council, and in 1983 held the position of Grand Knight.
He was a member of the 4th Degree, the Father Aulneau Assembly, and was the Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree in 1979. That same year, he was the District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus.
In 1980, he was on the parish council for a number of years for the Notre Dame Parish in Kenora, Ont., and also a maintenance worker for the parish in Kenora from 1992 until about 2001.
Lyle was an active member of the Notre Dame Parish in Kenora. He served as a liturgical reader, eucharistic minister, and in the hospitality ministry. Curling in Keewatin with the senior men held good memories for Lyle.
The cottage on Russell Island was Lyle’s Shangrila. Summers were spent on beautiful Whitefish Bay and were especially happy when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were visiting.
In 2004, Lyle and Pat moved to the Riverwalk Condominium in Fort Frances, Ont. and in doing so, they expanded their “circle of friends.” As a member of St. Mary’s Parish, he became an eucharistic minister and had his membership to the Knights of Columbus transferred to the Rainy Lake Council 2766.
As a couple, they were invited to join the local “Pairs ’N Squares” square dancing club.
Lyle enjoyed the cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, and the vacations in Arizona.
Lyle’s life was full—he brought much joy to people in his life and was given much joy and happiness back.
Lyle fought the good fight and now he is at peace in the arms of our Lord.
Cremation has taken place.
A rosary and vigil prayer service will be held Wednesday, May 4, 2016 beginning at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances.
A celebration of Lyle’s life is to take place Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, with Fr. Victor De Gagné officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be Bruce Hudson, David Griffiths, Kyle Griffiths, Bruce Vallis, David Krenz, John David Hudson, and Trevor Bauer.
Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree to serve as Honour Guard.
In lieu of flowers, and if friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Mary’s Church, or La Verendrye Hospital c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
A luncheon to be served by the CWL in the lower level of the church.
God Saw You Getting Tired
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So he wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered “come to me.”
You didn’t deserved what you went through,
So he gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best.
And when I saw you sleeping,
so peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
to suffer that again.
—Frances and
Kathleen Coelho
