Joseph Creighton Lyttle

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Creighton Lyttle on March 26, 2023 at Brampton Civic Hospital. Joe was the dear husband of 57 years of Anne-Marie (nee McKee). He was a loving father to Paul (died 2017) and Catrina. A doting “Poppy Joe” to Sophie and Jayden.

Joe was the son of Mary and John Lyttle both immigrants from Ireland. He was a beloved brother of Jack (deceased), Catherine & Bill Dedrick, Jim & Ruth (deceased) Lyttle, Philip and Joan (deceased) Lyttle, Mary (deceased) & Bob Ferron and Alex & Fay Lyttle. Brother-in-law to Kathleen Graham, Pat Rossiter, Arthur McKee and Bernard & Kathleen McKee. He was a grumpy Uncle Joe to many nieces, nephews & others. Joe was a friend to many, always with a story to tell

Joe was born and raised in the Parkdale area of Toronto. He was a student at Fern Avenue Public School and later Western Tech. It was during his high school years that his passion for the sport of rowing began. He learned to row at the Argonaut Rowing Club. This was the start of nearly seven decades as an Argonaut.

Joe was a legend in the Ontario rowing community. He was inducted into the Row Ontario Hall of Fame in 2021. His contributions to rowing were numerous. Some of the highlights include: President of the Central Ontario Rowing Association (1979-2019), Regatta Chair of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta for many years, member of the Dominion Day Regatta Association starting in 1975, organizer of many regattas for the Argonaut Rowing Club including Hog Town Heats, Masters Rowing Championships and Canada Day Regattas. Joe also umpired for many years. He ran umpiring clinics and was chair of the RCA and Row Ontario Umpire Committees.

He was a mentor and teacher to many. He took great pride in having supported the rise of a number of amazing women through the ranks of umpiring and officiating. So many people have come forward to tell stories of his role in getting them involved in the sport of rowing.

Joe and Anne-Marie were original and long-time residents of the M-section of Brampton. After his retirement Joe was a well-known figure in the neighbourhood. He and Hamish would set out for their daily walk at their own pace, stopping frequently for chats with neighbours, treats for Hamish, water breaks and timeouts. He would arrive home to give Anne-Marie all the news of the neighbourhood. He may not have known every neighbour by name but he could always tell you their dog’s name. Heartfelt thanks to all the neighbours who looked out for him in his later years when his mobility was challenging.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Palliative Care team at Brampton Civic Hospital. It is of great comfort to know how well cared for our husband and father was in his final days. Many thanks to all who have visited, sent messages and reached out from the rowing community, extended family, friends and neighbours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “The Joe and Jim Lyttle Trophy Case” at the Argonaut Rowing club. http://www.argonautrowingclub.com/fundraising/

Joe will be deeply missed by all and never forgotten.