Obituary of Lyle McKee
Please click here to view the livestream of the service
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected and sudden passing of Andrew Lyle McKee on July 28, 2021. Predeceased by his father Jack McKee; son, Dean Kohlruss; sisters-in-law Eva and Eleanor; and brothers-in-law John, Steve, Johnny and Andy. Lyle is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Shirley; son Corrie (Carrie-Anne); mother Mary Louise ‘Granny’ of Melfort, SK; sisters Charlene Johnston (Al) and Arlene Ritchie (George); grand-daughter Chelsea (Spencer); grand-puppies Coupe, Jett and Emoji; sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, aunts and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The oldest of three children, Lyle was born in 1948, in Melfort, Saskatchewan. Lyle spent his first 10 years at the family farm south of Star City, Saskatchewan. Lyle attended Oriole School, a one room schoolhouse for grades 1-9. Lyle attended grade 1-4, skipped grade 3 somehow, and was the driver of the horse and buggy to get his sisters to school. The family moved to Standard, Alberta in 1958 and returned to Saskatchewan in 1959. Lyle’s father had taken employment as a farm-hand and the family make their home on the Dickie Farm until 1982 when his parents bought a home in Melfort, Saskatchewan.
Lyle remained at his family home until his move to the city of Saskatoon for post-secondary training. Lyle achieved two standings while attending the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Administration and a Diploma in Education. He began his professional career in education in Midale, Saskatchewan in 1969 where he was ‘the Math Department’; perhaps it was then he recognized his love for teaching mathematics, after all he was ‘the Math Department’. Lyle spent most weekends in school gymnasiums throughout southern Saskatchewan as a coach (volleyball, softball, basketball and badminton). A short one-year term teaching in Domremy, Saskatchewan and Lyle landed what would be his forever position. In 1975, Lyle began teaching at Balfour Tech (Balfour Collegiate), and he remained in the same classroom for 25 years teaching all levels of math from grade 9-12. Lyle did complete his formal education in 1987 receiving his Bachelor of Education (with distinction), with a major in Special Education. Lyle was a celebrated educator and earned numerous awards recognizing his professional excellence.
Lyle retired from Regina Public Schools effective June 30, 2000. He continued to work after retirement as a sessional lecturer of Adult Mathematics for First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina since 2001. Lyle joined the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in July 2008 and was assigned as a term instructor of Adult Mathematics in the Student Development Center. He retired a second time in 2018 and continued to tutor those who needed some supports with mathematic instruction. Lyle never gave up even when covid impacted our world. He was able to support others regardless of new challenges.
Lyle was active in extra-curricular activities as an educator and curled in Saskatchewan Teacher Federation bonspiels. A contagious smile and cheery disposition always made him a much sought-after Regina Rams 50/50 ticket seller for more games than can be recalled. A lifelong fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors, Lyle was able to share some of his attention to cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Lyle was a celebrated ‘armchair’ athlete, coach and fan of all sporting events. So often he could be heard cheering, clapping and challenging poor calls through the household. If he was not watching a sports event on tv, he could be found in the garden or the kitchen. Lyle loved to find new recipes, and he and Shirley loved to prepare meals for friends and family. Together, they spent hours with good food and friends in their home or at the homes of others.
An avid gardener, Lyle was most at home in the dirt, hands in the garden or in the flower bed. Everything he touched bloomed with vibrant color, and often the harvested vegetables were shared with friends and family. From garden to kitchen, Saskatchewan to Puerto Vallarta, he and Shirley were a team, and together they were happiest. Family vacations to Big River, ‘Shrimp Fest’, and annual winter ‘get aways’ provided opportunity for reconnection. Laughter, good food, walks on the beach, toasts and tributes in good company - Lyle loved to be with people. Regardless the time between get-togethers, it was as there had not been any time lost. Lyle was the entertainer, he was the fun guy, and he always made sure everyone was having a good time. Lyle was active and on his final day he did that what he enjoyed most. He woke up with the love of his life, went to the gym to meet with a friend, and walked his grand puppies.
Our Lyle will be missed, and we will continue to treasure the time we had. Lyle has given every one of us, family, special friends, colleagues, and students much to remember. Lyle was the keeper of stories and always brought the best expressions and laugh when the ‘punchline’ was delivered. His jokes would often be concluded with his clapping and cheering with the group. Lyle celebrated every one of us and never once asked for a thing in return. It is a true blessing to have had so many memorable moments with such a great man.
Our PRIVATE Celebration of Lyle’s Life will take place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Flowers most gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 1738 Quebec Avenue, Unit 26, Saskatoon SK S7K 1V9 or the Regina Humane Society, P.O. Box 3143 STN. Main, Regina, SK S4P 3G7. To leave an online message of condolence and to view the livestream of the service, please visit Lyle’s tribute page at www.speersfuneralchapel.com
