It is with great sorrow, mixed with happiness that Dad’s struggle is over, that we announce that our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Syd Glenesk, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, January 25th, surrounded by many members of his family, joining his beloved wife Lorraine, to begin their new chapter as partners in dance, love and everything else they enjoyed together for 66 years.

 

Syd was predeceased by his loving wife, Lorraine; brother Ernie; and sister Margaret. He is survived by many who loved him including his and Lorraine’s four children, Larry (Debbie), Char (George), Lynda and Kathy (Kelly); three sisters-in-law, Joan, Fern and Hilda; grandchildren, Heather (Rori), Lori, Andrew J (Jenna),  Sasha (Keith), Coral (Mark), Andrew S (Huma), Christopher (Tara), Jeremy (Kerrie), Aaron, Mark (Shawna) and Jordan; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Keiren, Van, Cole, Dane, Sydnee, and Rylynn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Syd was born in Vancouver on September 14th, 1923, but moved to the giant, thriving metropolis of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan at the age of 2, where he attended Elementary and Junior High Schools before moving to Winnipeg where he attended Gordon Bell High School and starred in many sports, especially basketball. He went on to play basketball for the University of Manitoba team at a height of just 5’5” tall.

 

Following high school, Syd enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and served overseas during WWII in both the RCN and the RCAF, returning following VE Day in 1945.  Syd then attended University at both the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Science) followed by University of Manitoba (Bachelor of Phys Ed).  The latter turned out to be his passion (second only to Lorraine of course!).

 

Lorraine and Syd met during the Great Flood of 1950 when both were working as volunteers to save and support others less fortunate.  This is a testimonial to the way Mom & Dad lived their entire lives – always showing kindness, compassion, generosity and putting the welfare of others first.

 

Syd became the Physical Director at the Central YMCA in downtown Winnipeg, followed by the Director of Fitness for the Province.  He dedicated his life to promoting fitness, health and wellness programs for everyone, especially seniors – running innumerable programs throughout the years for the Manitoba Society of Seniors (MSOS).

 

Syd was a titan of volunteership.  He was constantly running major events across the Province on a volunteer basis:- Chair of various Organizing Committees for the Pan Am Games; Commonwealth Games; Manitoba Games; Red River Exhibition (previously known as ‘Manisphere’); numerous Provincial Sports Championships; Parades for many of these and other events; etc.  Always tireless, always selfless, never said “No”, and was always cheerful, upbeat and keeping team morale at the highest possible levels.

 

Syd was also a super fan, whether it was the Bombers, a team he stuck with through thick and thin, as a season ticket holder for over 35 successive years, the Winnipeg Jets 1.0 and 2.0, or what was most important to him, supporting his 4 kids when they competed in their sports of choice. He was there, at every event, cheering louder than anyone (although Lorraine sometimes gave him a run for his money!) and often volunteering to work their tournaments.

 

Syd seemed to know everyone, and everyone wanted to know Syd.  He was simply a wonderful human being who was loved by many and respected by everyone who knew him.  Kind, generous, a fabulous sense of humour (even if some of his jokes weren’t always the best!?!).  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and while we are saddened by his passing, we are also finding comfort in knowing that his struggle of his last few days are over. We are joyful as we think of him and Mom being together again.  God speed, Dad.

 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Deer Lodge Centre for everything you did in support of both Syd and our entire family.

 

Since Syd and Lorraine always did everything together, we intend to celebrate both of their long and wonderful lives – together – at a shared ceremony sometime in the late-spring or summer.  

 

For anyone wanting to be informed about the time and location of the celebration of life for Syd and Lorraine, please send your email addresses to c.junkin@me.com and details will be sent to you.

 

In lieu of flowers the family gratefully recommends donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.