PHILIP MYLES LYONS -

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PHILIP MYLES LYONS 1917 - 2011 Peacefully, on February 16, 2011 at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Philip Myles Lyons, 93, went to claim the eternal rewards he so richly deserved. His family and friends grieve his loss, but are inspired by the outstanding example of his life, and the legacy of service and caring he left behind. Philip is survived by his loving wife and life partner of nearly 64 years, Veda; his daughter Patricia and her husband Stewart Fay, grandson Sam and his wife Lindsay Sawyer, all of Winnipeg, granddaughter Amelia of St. John's, Newfoundland, his sister Peggy O'Connor of Sydney, BC, sister Jessie Lyons of Winnipeg, and many nieces and nephews across the country. Also surviving is his just like another daughter and childhood friend of his own daughter, Pat Walmsley (née Jenkins) and her husband Paul who were very close to him and his family. He was predeceased by two infant daughters, his brother Martin and his wife Rose, brother James, brother-in-law Frank O'Connor and sister Nora Jackman and her husband Don. Born in Winnipeg, December 19, 1917, Philip graduated Matriculation at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in 1936. In 1937, he graduated from Dominion Business College, and was employed by John Wood Manufacturing until the outbreak of the Second World War. Philip volunteered to serve in the Canadian Navy (RCNVR) on November 15, 1939 and spent some five and one-half years as a wireless operator in Corvettes and other ships on the North Atlantic convoy runs. Following Victory in Europe, he volunteered for Pacific service but hostilities ceased prior to his re-muster, and he was discharged October 31, 1945. Philip was picked off the piano by Veda Bishop and aided and abetted by his youngest sister Nora, a simple request for a ride home from HMCS Chippawa in the fall of 1945 started a love partnership whose milestones included marriage in 1947, the happy arrival of Patricia Maria in 1949, the sadness of losing daughters at birth in 1952 and 1953, and an enviable lifetime of family memories. Joining the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1946, Philip was promoted to the rank of Fire Prevention Officer in 1957, thus starting a career of excellence in understanding, interpreting and applying fire and building codes for the City of Winnipeg. He was promoted to Assistant Chief Fire Prevention Officer in 1967, and Chief Fire Prevention Officer in 1979, a position he held until retirement in October of 1982. Philip's acknowledged expertise in fire and building codes led to many appointments as a valuable resource to national and provincial organizations, including chairing a Standing Committee on the National Fire Code, and chairing both the Manitoba Fire Advisory Committee and Manitoba Building Standards Board. Philip was also an honorary member of both the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs and the Manitoba Building Officials Association. Philip was the recipient of the Mary Beth Dolin Medal for outstanding achievement to the Manitoba Fire Service and the National Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, which he received in 1988. As a war veteran and Legion member, Philip took We will remember them. as a personal mantra. For over 30 years, he and Veda inventoried, documented and photographed nearly every memorial, plaque and marker in the Winnipeg capital region so that they might not go unnoticed. His collection also included all the civic, historical and ethnic markers and was of such significance, that it was gratefully accepted into the Manitoba Provincial Heritage Department as the Phil and Veda Lyons Collection. His significant contribution to Remembrance following his wartime service led to his being among the very first group of recipients of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, an award he proudly received from the Hon. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., M.P. in the Senate Chamber in Ottawa, November 7, 2002. Philip was also an accomplished handyman who built his own house and garage, helped others build theirs, fixed doors, windows and rickety steps, shingled roofs, poured his own concrete, painted anything needing a coat of colour and did just about every woodworking job shy of fine cabinetry. But the man that we all knew and loved was much more than the incredible accomplishments of his career. Philip was a dedicated family man, and nothing gave him more pleasure than family get-togethers where he and Veda could spend time with Pat and Stew and the grandchildren, Sam and Amy. He was so very proud of his family's successes, always enthralled with what Pat, Stew, Amy, Sam and Lindsay had accomplished. He was also a loyal friend, generous with his time and resources, gifted with an infectious laugh and corny sense of humour that charmed everyone...in short, an all around good egg . Philip was a class act...a true gentleman whose like is so rare today. He will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Dr. Tim Ross and the staff of Family Matters Clinic, and Dr. Pat Harris, for wonderful care over the years. We would especially like to thank the Day Surgery staff of Grace Hospital, who spent so much time with him during his regular blood transfusion days, and in particular, the Grace Hospital 4-South staff, who provided comfort and care in Philip's last days. Sadly, the Cookie Man is gone. At Philip's request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2011. Donations to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund are gratefully appreciated in lieu of flowers, as that was the most dearly cherished of his charities. Stand down, sailor...job well done! For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2011