Obituaries

DONALD LYNN BLAKE

Lynn was born in Rocanville, Saskatchewan. As a young man, he learned the value of hard work and discipline, working on local farms, in the potash mines, and serving in the Royal Canadian Army Militia (2^nd Lieutenant, RCA). He joined the Royal Bank of Canada in 1963 and moved through various banking and human resources positions to become a senior Manager in Commercial Lending. His entrepreneurial instincts led him to acquire an ownership stake in a printing/graphics company, followed a few years later by the launch of a financial services consulting practice. Late in his career, Lynn returned to the human resources field when he became Western Region HR Manager for Purolator Courier. Rather than retire, Lynn spent the remaining years as sales representative for a Manitoba company selling road stabilizing chemicals.

Outside of work, Lynn’s interests and expertise were wide ranging … musician (saxophone) and band member; outdoorsman (hunting, fishing, snowmobiling); athlete and adventurer (curling, snow skiing, water skiing, hang gliding); avid reader; military historian; and political pundit. He was curious about everything and willing to try anything. The only interest he was never able to entirely master was technology … the “gremlins” would not let him win!

He will be deeply missed by his wife Marie; extended family members; and the many friends across Canada and the USA who enjoyed his fellowship over the years.  He was the glue that bonded diverse social groups, including his Lake Metigoshe “pontooners” and snowmobilers; his Winnipeg bridge group; the Toy Shop gang; and his fishing/hunting buddies. Lynn loved to regale friends with his exploits (suitably embellished) and his sharp economic/political insights. Lynn was a most genial host, always delighted when friends dropped by to share time and a cocktail, no matter the time and day. In fact, you were encouraged to stay late, as Lynn loved to debate/orate on a wide range of topics well into the early morning hours.

Above all, Lynn was a man of faith, with strong personal values who faced each and every challenge placed before him with courage, character and determination. He will be laid to rest in the family plot in Rocanville, Saskatchewan.