Obituary of Lyle B. Sifton
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SIFTON, Lyle B., of St. Thomas, age 86, a proud 2nd generation funeral director, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Monday, December 8, 2014. Beloved husband for over 60 years to Louise (nee Lyle) Sifton. Dearly loved father of Elizabeth “Beth” Connor (Gerry) of Toronto, Rebecca “Becky” O’Shea (Dr. Michael) of Lewisville, TX, Jennifer Petterson (Nathan) of La Grange, IL, and L. Brent Sifton (Georgia) of St. Thomas. Proud grandfather of Lara Wheeler (Matt) of Toronto, Blake Sifton (Chloe) of Doha, Qatar, Michael O’Shea of Lewisville, TX, Caitlin O’Shea of Austin, TX, and Alex Petterson and Lyle Petterson of La Grange, IL. He adored his great grandson, Wynne Wheeler, and they shared the same birthday. Lyle is also fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Eleanor Lyle and Donna Lyle, both of R.R.1, St. Thomas, as well as several nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard B. and Addie (nee Ball) Sifton, his step-mother, Alma Barnes Sifton, a sister, Nancy McPhee, a brother Ellis Sifton (in infancy), and a step-sister Bettie Parker. Lyle was born on November 8, 1928. He was a graduate of Pickering College, Newmarket. Lyle obtained his funeral director’s licence in 1950 and took tremendous pride in his career. After 59 years he accepted Emeritus standing. Lyle was a long-time member of Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas where he was an Elder Emeritus. He was a life member of Talbot Lodge #546, A.F. & A.M., St. Thomas, having served as Worshipful Master in 1960. Lyle served as President of the Western Ontario Funeral Directors Association in 1957. Relatives and friends were received by the family on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the SIFTON FUNERAL HOME, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160). The funeral service was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks St., St. Thomas on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a reception in Rodney Hall. Interment was made privately in Elmdale Memorial Park.
“The calling of the funeral director is
To be there when someone is in need
To be there no matter the time or the conditions
To be there with words of comfort and concern
To be there to give quiet guidance through the storm
To be there for the final tribute that honours a life
There is no higher privilege.”
- Doug Manning
