Springfield’s Kyle among Honour 150

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This article was published 04/03/2021 (1536 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Lawrie Kyle has spent five and a half decades pitching in, and he isn’t done yet.

Last month, his legacy of community service in the RM of Springfield was recognized by the Manitoba 150 host committee, which gave him an Honour 150 medal.

“It’s nice to be pointed out,” Kyle said. “I feel very honoured.”

Volunteering has already rewarded him many times over.

“I certainly look back on the many people I’ve met. I became lifelong friends with so many of them. It’s paid me back in many ways.”

Kyle’s public service spans education, sports, the arts, faith, justice, and more.

He began volunteering at the outset of his 41-year career in education, which saw him begin as a classroom teacher, transition to a physical education specialist, then enter administration. He served as vice-principal of Anola School and ended his career as vice-principal of Oakbank Elementary School.

“I was always at the elementary level, which I really enjoyed,” he said.

Kyle also farmed with his father and brother for 35 years.

When he signed his first teaching contract in Dugald, he was encouraged to get involved in the community. He took that advice to heart, and then some.

As president of the local curling club, Kyle organized bonspiels and brought in artificial ice. He also helmed the Springfield Agricultural Society and sat on the local cemetery committee. He is the current treasurer and past chairman of Oak Bank United Church.

Kyle also led the board of the Costume Museum of Canada, the country’s first museum dedicated to the collection and preservation of clothing and textiles. It began as the Dugald Costume Museum on the grounds of the Springfield Agricultural Society before relocating to Winnipeg, where its collection is displayed periodically.

Kyle also volunteers at the municipal archives, located in the Springfield Public Library a stone’s throw away from his home in Dugald. He is especially fond of organizing materials associated with pioneer education.

“There were 39 one-room schools in the municipality back in the day,” he said.

Kyle also helped organize the creation of 71 senior’s housing units in Oakbank. He continues to serve on the senior’s board, which looks after Kin Place and Springfield Place. He was also involved in planning the first phase of Dugald Estates and is co-chair of Springfield Vision 2020, a committee advocating for another personal care home in Oakbank.

He’s also president of his condominium board and past president of the Winnipeg Male Chorus. When he isn’t singing, he “sort of plays the keyboard” in a band called Take Five. A longtime cast member with the Oakbank Dinner Theatre, he will take part in his first virtual performance later this year.

Kyle tried twice to enter provincial politics, catching the attention of the Mulroney government, which appointed him to the Parole Board of Canada.

“I even was on a panel to interview (David) Milgaard, which was interesting,” he said.

Born and raised between Dugald and Oakbank, Kyle said the two communities have come a long way during his lifetime.

“I never thought I’d look out my window and see a Tim Hortons off in the distance.”

Kyle said he’s pleased to see a new generation of leaders coming of age in Springfield, and continues to volunteer because he likes to interact with people.

“The reward was the people I worked with, and they need to be complimented too.”

That includes his wife, Barbara, who he said is a source of constant support.