In a league of her own

Betty Gyles went by many names over the years: Mom, Grandma, hostess — and later in life, “Pie Lady.”

Elizabeth, known as Betty to most, was born in Winnipeg’s River Heights neighbourhood to Bill and Elizabeth Armstrong. She was the youngest child in her family, with three siblings: Bill, Bob and Barb.

Betty Gyles enjoys a dip off an island in the West Indies where she went sailing every February. (Supplied)

Gyles grew up soaking up the sun in northwest Ontario, where her parents owned a cottage; it was there she learned to love to swim and sunbathe and sit on the “reading rock” with her sister.

Gyles would write stories and after each page was finished she would read them and it counted toward her summer reading goal.

Little did Gyles know at the time that cottage country in Ontario would become her retirement plan and an integral part of her later life.

Read more about Betty in our weekly A Life’s Story feature.

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Dish. The latest on food and drink in Winnipeg and beyond from arts writers Ben Sigurdson and Eva Wasney.

'Chris was a reporter who would go anywhere and do anything for the story'

Christopher Bodeen, a tenacious, old-school wire service reporter who brought a keen analytical eye and a wry sense of humor to decades of work in China, Taiwan and in war zones and natural disasters across the globe for The Associated Press, has died. He was 55.

Foster Klug, The Associated Press:

AP reporter Christopher Bodeen, a tenacious chronicler of China’s rise, dies at 55

TOKYO (AP) — Christopher Bodeen, a tenacious, old-school wire service reporter who brought a keen analytical eye and a wry sense of humor to decades of work in China, Taiwan and in war zones ... Read More

'Janie was there with me from the very beginning, before there was even a Motown'

Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs, who helped pen hits including “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” has died following an extended illness at a Los Angeles hospital, her family said Saturday. She was 87.

Corey Williams, The Associated Press:

Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs dies in Los Angeles after illness at age 87

Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs, who helped pen hits including “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," has died following an extended illness at a Los... Read More

'She was an incredible light and a force of nature'

Hayden Panettiere, a onetime child star who soared to fame in the TV shows “Heroes” and “Nashville” while enduring struggles with alcohol addiction and depression, has died. She was 36.

Hannah Schoenbaum, The Associated Press:

Hayden Panettiere, who starred in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville,’ dies at 36

Hayden Panettiere, a onetime child star who soared to fame in the TV shows “Heroes” and “Nashville” while enduring struggles with alcohol addiction and depression, has died. She was 36. Police said... Read More

'One of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas'

Frank Beard, the drummer for the Texas boogie-rock trio ZZ Top who kept the tempo for the band’s biggest hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’” and “Legs,” has died. He was 77.

Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press:

Frank Beard, drummer of boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77

NEW YORK (AP) — Frank Beard, the drummer for the Texas boogie-rock trio ZZ Top who kept the tempo for the band’s biggest hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin'” and “Legs,” has died. He... Read More

'Bill was a remarkable man — a visionary and an innovator'

Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded TV sports giant ESPN after hatching the idea for the world’s first all-sports cable network with his son, died Tuesday. He was 93.

The Associated Press:

ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93 from the effects of Parkinson’s disease

LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. (AP) — Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded TV sports giant ESPN after hatching the idea for the world's first all-sports cable network with his son, died Tuesday. He was 93. ... Read More

How They Lived

Read about the lives of great Winnipeggers and Manitobans on our Passages website.

Until next week, may you continue to write your own life’s story.

Sunday Passages