Lila Ruby Young

Lila Young, artist, people person, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandma and friend to so many, passed peacefully on 5 April 2019 in Kelowna, BC. Here is a little bit of her remarkable story… Lila grew up on the Saskatchewan family farm, the eldest of six children. As a tribute to her father’s everlasting lessons of love, joy and faith, she later self-published, “As Time Goes Bye,” both a happy and tragic memoir of the first sixteen years of her amazing life. Throughout her creative career, prairie horizons remained one of her strongest artistic influences. West coast trees and seascapes ran a close second. Art, learning, laughter, and adventure were just a few of Lila’s favourite things. She worked as a WWII radio operator, opened an art store, earned a degree in Fine Arts, hosted several of her own art exhibitions and threw more than a few brilliant parties in her beloved Oak Bay house-by-the sea. Just one crowning achievement among many, Lila proudly presented one of her paintings to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Victoria, BC in 1966. Lila embraced the present moment and set goals for the future, always working hard to achieve them. Intelligent, talented, witty and determined, Lila was a force of nature. A back-packing trek to New Zealand to celebrate her 60th birthday is one example of her feisty spirit. And everywhere Lila went, she would gather inspiration for her art and memories for her stories. From Haida Gwaii to Helsinki, she made scores of friends and touched many hearts. It would take her days and days just to send out Christmas greetings to all the special people in her life. But family was her greatest joy of all. Predeceased by husband, Ted and son, Evan, Lila will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Brenda (Philip), daughter-in-law, Barb (Evan), grandchildren Sean (Alyssa), Chelsea (Gilito), Westley, Tristan and Myles, great grandchildren Roman, Rodrigo and Natalia, dear sister, Irene, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. Each has a precious and unique anecdote of Lila to treasure. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the attentive and caring staff at Glenmore Lodge who helped Lila enjoy her declining years in grace, comfort and love. A memorial service will be held in Lila’s honour at a future date. Godspeed, Lila…

Keep right on to the end of the road, Keep right on to the end,

Tho' the way be long, let your heart be strong, Keep right on round the bend. Harry Lauder 1936

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299.