Obituary of John Lyall Schwartz

John "LYALL" Schwartz On the evening of May 9, 2018, Lyall Schwartz, beloved husband of Betty, passed away in Wasa Lake, BC. Born March 22, 1945 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Lyall grew up in Swift Current, Saskatchewan as part of a large family which consisted of seven siblings. There he met and married his soulmate Betty (nee McLeod) and they began their life together, which grew to include two children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Lyall and Betty moved to Calgary where Lyall worked in the construction of new neighbourhoods within the city. He spent many years working alongside his good friend Renzo, at Tulissi Construction. His excellence in his trade earned him accolades from Calgary housing developers. Lyall was always an outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating in the Shuswap lakes and lived a busy, active life with Betty by his side. Once retired, Lyall and Betty began to travel to winter in Yuma, Arizona where they enjoyed meeting new friends, partaking in social activities and volunteering at the local hospital. It was also at this time that Lyall build his dream home in Wasa, BC where his "Man Cave" is legendary - as was his offer to always lend a helping hand, give sound advice, and lend any tool required to complete the job. Here he spent many summers constructing beautiful things, creating art from steel and wood, exploring the woods on his quad and lakes in his boat. The "lake house" is where Fireball was passed around the campfire, Johnny Cash was blasting on the radio, veggies were growing in the garden and a game of crib was enjoyed in the afternoon sun. He was always ready to greet family and friends with a smile and a hug. Although perceived as rough-and-gruff, he was known for his kind and genuine nature. He found the most joy in his family and friends and had a strong sense of faith in God. Lyall was predeceased by his parents, Christian and Elizabeth Schwartz. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty and his children, Dawn Unsworth (Jeff) and Mark Schwartz (Lupita); his grandchildren: Ashlee (Brent), Cody (Madison), Lindsay (Braedon), Brooklyn (Mitchell), Elli and Nolan and his great-grandchildren: Blakely and Karlee. He will also be missed by his siblings and their families: Doug Schwartz (Shirley, Kevin, Cameron, Cory, Kimberley), Bob Schwartz (Vivian, Jackie, Shane), Bev Nickerson (Gord, Scott, Craig), Christina Wolsky (Dennis, Jason, Ginger), Marvyn Schwartz (Silvia, Tim, Tiffany, Troy), Rodney Schwartz (Paul, Chad, Matthew) and Marcella Ballachey (John, Jennifer, Stephen). A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 25, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Fosters Garden Chapel 3220 4 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta. Reception to follow at the funeral home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.fostersgardenchapel.ca or www.mcphersonfh.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in Lyall's name may be made directly to the Wasa Lions Club Organization. A plaque will be placed on the memorial wall in the Wasa Memorial Garden, Wasa Lake, BC. Wasa Lions Club Contact Information: email: wasalionsclub@gmail.com address: Box 10, Wasa, BC V0B2K0 phone: (250) 426-0436