My name is Nicole Walshe and I am the eldest grand daughter of Lyle and Marie McCann.
I have the honour of speaking today about my grandparents lives.
I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for coming today. Your love and support means so much to the family. I know Grandma and Grandpa would be humbled seeing this church full of people.
Lyle and Marie had three children: Bret, Lance and Trudy.
They had five grandchildren: Brett, Nicole, Russell, Mika and Morgan
And two great grandchildren: Benson and Chantelle.
Both Lyle and Marie were born in rural Alberta.
Lyle was born at home on their farm near Red Deer, Alberta on August 24, 1931 to Tom and Estella McCann. He had three brothers: Grant, Jack, and Clifford. He had two sisters: Maxine and Lois.
Marie was born in Torrington, Alberta on October 15, 1932 to Aim-l and Anna Waltz. She had four sisters: Alvina, Alice, Lydia and Verna. She had two brothers: Victor and Don.
Lyle and Marie were married July 30, 1952 in Torrington, Alberta. In the early years of their marriage they ran a local country store near Innisfail. Both Bret and Lance were born there. Then they moved to Edmonton where they had Trudy. It was in the mid 60’s when they moved to the community of St. Albert and they lived in the same home in Grandin for the rest of their days. Their neighbours became close friends over the past 40 years.
Lyle was a long-haul trucker for most of his career. He travelled to places throughout Alberta, British Columbia and North America. He loved the serenity of driving across the beautiful Canadian countryside.
Marie was a proud stay at home Mom who enjoyed gardening and floral arranging. Her passion was raising her three children.
In their later years, Lyle & Marie loved camping in their motor home. For many years, they would travel to the United States for the winters. They also loved to curl and Grandpa loved to play a game of pool while Grandma would bake a Saskatoon pie in the cooler months. In the summer, they loved fishing and attending country music festivals. Both Grandma and Grandpa loved nature and were proud Albertans who knew so much about the birds, plants, trees, and wildlife in the province.
I’d like to share with you all some lyrics from a song that I’ve listened to that have helped me to cope with the disappearance of Grandma and Grandpa.
Look down – the ground below is crumbling
Look up – the stars are all exploding
It’s the last day on earth
In my dreams
It’s the end of the world
And you’ve come back to me
In my dreams
Between the dust and debris
There’s a light surrounding you and me
And you hold me closer than I can ever remember being held
I’m not afraid to sleep now, if we can stay like this
In my head I repeat our conversations
Over and over til they feel like hallucinations
You know me – I love to lose my mind
And every time anybody speaks your name I still feel the same
I ache, I ache, I ache inside
If it were the last day on earth and I could meet Grandma and Grandpa again, I would want to say thank you to them for everything they taught me.
I’d thank Grandpa for teaching me to listen. Grandpa told the best stories. You could sit for hours and learn so much. He was such an intelligent and humorous man who captured the attention of those who were lucky enough to listen.
I’d thank Grandpa for teaching me the importance of kindness. Grandpa had such a gentle nature and made everyone in his presence feel special and important.
Grandpa- I miss your warm eyes, your caring words and your compassionate smile. I will always remember you sitting in your chair by the fireplace, reading a newspaper in your cardigan and slippers. You were a true gentleman whose chivalry and polite manner will never be forgotten.
I’d thank Grandma for teaching me about really good food. Grandma made the most delicious dinners and sweetest desserts that Grandpa adored so much. I will treasure and share your incredible recipes with family and friends and proudly tell them it was made from your heart.
I’d thank Grandma for teaching me the beauty of one’s home. Grandma’s home was always impeccably presented with a comforting and welcoming presence. It was a place you always wanted to be in and you always felt relaxed in.
Grandma, I will miss your infectious laughter, your legendary shoulder massages, and your warm good byes. I will always remember you dressed with such class, in your beautiful earrings, hair done, high heels and scarves. You will always be a lady of style and grace in our hearts.
I’d thank both of you for teaching me the importance of a healthy marriage. The way you adored one another. Grandpa was besought with Grandma and she felt the same of him. They always called eachother terms of endearment, most commonly “Darling”.
When Grandpa would come home from a trip, Grandma would draw him a long bath and they would sit and talk and simply be together. Thank you for teaching me that being in love is the foundation for a happy family.
Today would have been your 59th wedding anniversary. In my heart I can imagine you holding each others’ hands as you always so fondly did.
Since your departure, you are still teaching me the importance of family.
If I could see you again Grandma and Grandpa, I would thank you for being such inspirational grandparents. I would tell you that you will always be in my everyday.
In my heart
and in the memories of my mind. I will tell my daughter Chantelle all about you
and you will live on
within all of us
forever.
