ROBINSON: Evelyn M., beloved wife of the late Lyall R. Robinson, passed away at her residence, Fairview Home, on Tuesday, February 13, 2007. The Ceremony to Celebrate Evelyn's Life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society - Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 9Z9. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


ROBINSON: Evelyn May Robinson (nee Spearman) passed away peacefully at the age of 93, on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at Fairview Home, Brandon. Born December 17, 1913 in Crystal City, Manitoba, Evelyn grew up on the farm with her very musical parents, Herb and Edith. Evelyn, who was taught piano at an early age, received her piano teaching certificate and went on to teach piano to as many as 20 students each year for most of her life. Her talent on the piano also allowed her to play for many bands over the years, starting out with the Troubadours as a teenager and young woman. Later she met Lyall Robinson, a local businessman, baseball player and sax player, and together they helped form the "Royal Canadians" in 1939. After marrying in 1941, they moved to Brandon and had to take an extended break from the band, first for Lyall to serve in the war and then to begin raising their two young daughters. In 1952, Evelyn and Lyall formed a new band called the "Syncopators". For the next 45+ years, the Syncopators played the big-band favorites to their ardent fans looking to dance the night away. From their first gig at Orange Hall to the Palladium and Prince Edward Hotel in Brandon to Clear Lake's Danceland and the Barn at Sportman's Park, they were one of the best known dance bands in the Brandon area. Between 1952 and 1999, well over 50 different musicians played in the Syncopators, but with Lyall out front on the Alto Sax and Evelyn perched behind on her stool at the organ, the heart and soul of the Syncopators never changed. Evelyn's talent, kindness and sweet nature touched many and all that met her will dearly miss her. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Lyall in 2000; daughters Gail Henry and Donna Vidalin; siblings Hazel Gardner and Harold Spearman. She is survived by her siblings Doreen Trottier and Elwood Spearman; grandchildren Chuck Vidalin, Kirstin Janke and Kris Henry; great-grandchildren Tyler Henry, Quinn Vidalin and Kane Vidalin; her friend and confidant Polly Pow and many beloved band members. A memorial service will be held in mid to late April. Time and date to be determined. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society-Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 9Z9 or to Fairview Home, 1351 13th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4S6. Expressions of Sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

ROBINSON: Evelyn M., beloved wife of the late Lyall R. Robinson, passed away at her residence, Fairview Home, on Tuesday, February 13, 2007. The Ceremony to Celebrate Evelyn's Life will be held at Central United Church, 327 - 8th Street, on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood will officiate. Interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery Columbarium. Donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society - Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 9Z9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Canadian Cancer Society