JOHN LYNN SPURWAY

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JOHN LYNN SPURWAY

1939-2026

With his family by his side, sharing love, gratitude, and cherished memories, John Lynn “Lynn” Spurway passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at the age of 87.

Lynn is predeceased by two of his children Beth and Duncan. He will be deeply missed by Louise, his beloved wife and partner of more than six decades; by his remaining children Barb, Tim, and Dan; and by his treasured grandchildren Sydney, Madisen, MacKenzie, Lili, Oliver, Iris, and Lyndan. He leaves behind a legacy not only within his family, but throughout western Manitoba, where his vision, leadership, and community spirit helped shape the region for generations.

Born the eldest of three siblings (Margaret and Bruce Spurway) in 1939 to Sigrid (Johnson) Spurway and John Albert Spurway, Lynn’s life began on a homestead near the foot of Riding Mountain National Park, on land adjacent to what is now the Selo Ukraina Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre and Museum. Raised during difficult economic times, he learned early the values of hard work, perseverance, and community cooperation. His parents cleared bush land, built a farm from the ground up, and taught their children that progress comes through determination and service to others.

Although farm life demanded much of him as a young man, Lynn was determined to pursue an education. After helping operate the family farm while his father worked and participated in agricultural advocacy, he excelled academically and earned an opportunity to article with his uncle’s Chartered Accounting firm in Winnipeg. He balanced full-time work with night school, laying the foundation for a distinguished professional career.

In Winnipeg, Lynn met Emma Louise Lumgair, a young, registered nurse. The two married in 1962, beginning a lifelong partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to family and community. Together they raised five children and became a remarkable team in every sense.

Lynn’s career took the family out of Winnipeg to Inglis, Manitoba, where his commitment to public service emerged early. Convinced that safe, treated water was essential for community health, he championed the installation of a municipal water system despite reluctant Inglis residents. His determination ultimately helped bring potable water to the community, an enduring improvement that benefited generations of residents.

After completing his Chartered Accountant designation, Lynn worked in Minnedosa before establishing his own accounting practice in Russell in 1972. As a trusted advisor to businesses, farmers, municipalities, and families throughout the region, he earned a reputation for integrity, innovation, and practical wisdom. He was also an early adopter of technology, introducing computerized accounting services long before they became commonplace in rural Manitoba.

Community involvement was a defining feature of his life. Alongside Louise, he devoted countless volunteer hours to organizations and initiatives that strengthened Russell and the surrounding area. They volunteered to manage arena kitchen operations, on Cubs and Scouts programs, on organizing Beef and Barley committees, and helping numerous organizations thrive. Lynn also served six years on Russell Town Council, where he advocated for practical improvements and long-term development.

Among his most significant contributions was his leadership in the creation of Asessippi Ski Area & Resort. Lynn recognized the region’s untapped potential long before many others did. Working alongside fellow community leaders, investors, and volunteers, he helped transform a bold idea into one of Manitoba’s premier tourism destinations during the 1990’s. Lynn led a legendary effort to lobby government, influence local folks to get on board and sometimes singlehandedly removed all obstacles. Through his persistence, advocacy, and an unwavering belief in the project, he played a central role in securing support and building momentum for what would become a transformative regional asset.

Today, Asessippi Ski Area & Resort continues to generate employment, attract visitors from across the Prairies and beyond, creates opportunities for young people, and contributes significantly to the economic vitality of western Manitoba. The growth and renewed prosperity experienced by Russell, Inglis, and neighbouring communities stands as a lasting testament to Lynn’s vision and leadership.

Lynn also contributed to community development through his service with the Russell Inn, his advocacy for tourism initiatives, and his efforts to enhance the character and appeal of Russell’s downtown. He believed strongly that rural communities deserved to dream ambitiously and invest confidently in their future.

After selling his accounting practice in 1994, Lynn claimed to be retired, but few believed him. Together, he and Louise converted their former office into a bed-and-breakfast, welcoming visitors as friends and often keeping them entertained with stories, laughter, and conversation. Hospitality came naturally to them both.

Beyond his accomplishments, Lynn will be remembered for his warmth, humour, creativity, and ability to bring people together. Whether offering advice, solving a problem, sharing a story, singing folk songs, or keeping rhythm on his washtub bass, he had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued.

Lynn’s life was defined by service - service to his family, his profession, his community, and his province. His impact can be seen in the institutions he helped build, the opportunities he created, and the countless lives he touched. Manitoba is stronger because of his contributions, and his legacy will continue to benefit future generations.

He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration, and he will be profoundly missed.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 01, 2026