Lynn Harry Switzer

Lynn Harry Switzer passed away at the Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on Wednesday, August 20th, with his wife and brother at his side.

He will leave to mourn his beloved wife, Marian, of 62 years, their eldest daughter Tracy (Gordon) Walker and stepson, Hunter (Medicine Hat, AB), their second daughter Rhonda (Daniel) Nadasdi, and sons Taggart and Hudson (Nashville, TN), their youngest daughter, Marni (Craig) Zamzow, and daughters, Coral (Michael) Maga and Crystal (Swan River, MB). Lynn’s sister, Joan Orhlein (Summerland, BC), her children Scott, Laurie and Penny and grandchildren. Lynn’s brother Larry (Maureen) Switzer (Winnipeg, MB).

Lynn was born in 1939 in Flin Flon, Manitoba to Violet and Harry Switzer. They were so proud to have a son and named him after a famous hockey player. When Lynn was six years old, the family moved to Elkhorn, Manitoba where Lynn grew up and completed high school.

Lynn’s mother was a teacher and encouraged Lynn to apply to Teachers’ College. Lynn taught in Rossendale and then Hamiota where he met and married Marian in 1963. They moved to Tilston and then to Treherne where their three daughters were born, Tracy, Rhonda and Marni. While in Treherne, Lynn began to take courses at the University of Manitoba. He continued after moving to Portage la Prairie in 1975 and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education. Lynn ended his teaching career at Yellowquill School where he was vice-principal from 1975 to 1994. He had great memories of those years, the students and fellow staff members.

Lynn was very active in the communities where he lived and particularly in Portage la Prairie. He was involved with the “Big Brother Organization” and was proud to be matched with Terri (Candy) Burke and family. Lynn was always involved in sports. The sports changed through the years and included, slow pitch, starting the “Big 4” hockey league, golf, co-chairing the Manitoba and Canada Senior Games and curling. Lynn enjoyed the competition and friendships made through the years. He was especially proud of his many hole-in-ones. For decades, Lynn was involved with the Kinsmen, The Lions, Trinity United Church and many other service organizations in leadership roles.

After retirement, Lynn and Marian travelled in Europe, etc. and many winters in Road Haven Park, Arizona. Lynn enjoyed playing guitar with a group in Arizona and in Portage la Prairie.

The family would like to thank the Lions Prairie Manor for their compassionate care they gave Lynn during his time there.

Please join us to celebrate the life of Lynn Switzer on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, starting at 2:00 pm at the Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by registering at the link below.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Community Foundation of Portage & District, 206 Saskatchewan Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K9 or to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com