LYTLE, George Alan (Al)

“Gentlemen, it’s 5 to the 5 for the Final Heat of Grand Prix.”

Born at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay Ontario on February 6th, 1929. Died peacefully at Ross Memorial Hospital the morning of June 16th, 2009 after a brief illness.

Beloved husband of Yvonne Muriel for 52 years. Loving father of Judith Erin (Michael McCallion) of Burlington and John Jeffrey (Agnes) of Mt. Albert. Proud poppa of Derreck and Scott Lytle. Brother to Marilyn (Wilfred McMechan) of Oro Station.

Al’s early years were spent reaching for the sky, first as an Air Cadet in Lindsay in the 1940’s where he won a scholarship for being one of Canada’s top cadets and later as an Air Cadet instructor in Cobourg and London and finally realizing his dream to pilot his own Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft.

His love of speed also led him to power boat racing. He began his interest in the sport as a teenager in Lindsay where he advanced though the ranks, first as a pit crew member and later into the world of sanctioned regattas and finally as a colourful and respected announcer at power boat regattas throughout Canada and the United States.
Al was a member of the American Power Boat Association and the Canadian Boating Federation where he was Director of Regattas and a member of the North American Championship Committee. His booming voice was recognized in the boating world as the voice of Grand Prix hydroplane racing.

Al retired from Sun Oil Company Limited (Suncor) after a 37 year career in Cobourg, London, Ottawa and Toronto. He was a member of Queen City Lodge 552 in Toronto and later of Spry Lodge 406 in Fenelon Falls after he and Yvonne moved to the family summer property at Rosedale on Balsam Lake, where they built their permanent home. Al was active as a volunteer and was a Director of Community Care in Fenelon Falls and was a Life Member of the Fenelon Falls Curling Club.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Ross Memorial for their excellent care and compassion over the past several months. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ross Memorial Hospital.

At Alan’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held at Rosedale on a lovely summer day. Details to follow.

“And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God"
(John Gillespie Magee, Jr., High Flight)

Affiliations

There are no affiliations for Alan Lytle