William Lyle Rea

(William) Lyle Rea of Port Charlotte, Florida passed unexpectedly and peacefully in Sarasota Memorial Hospital on September 22, 2022. Lyle was born June 29, 1940, in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada. After completing local schooling, he graduated from the University of Toronto (now known as University of Guelph) as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1962. He also earned a Certified Management Accountant designation in 1975.

Lyle opened a rural Veterinary practice in Wakaw, Saskatchewan, Canada where he practiced 7 years. In 1970, he relocated to Orangeville, Ontario, where he was employed by TUCO (the animal health division of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company). In 1987, he was transferred to head office of Upjohn Pharmaceutical in Kalamazoo MI. During his tenure with Upjohn, he rose to become Vice President of Animal Health for Asia Pacific region. He retired in 1998 and moved to Punta Gorda, FL in 2003.

In retirement, he became more involved with boating and continued his involvement with the US Power Squadron at both the local and National levels. He was a member of the PGI Cruising Club and a former member of the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. He was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church (now known as New Life).

After moving from Punta Gorda to Port Charlotte, FL with his wife Louise, he became active at South Port Square Retirement Facility where he joined committees and activities.

Those who knew him know he enjoyed good friends, good food, good bourbon, and good wine.

In addition to his wife, Louise of 46 years, he leaves behind son William (Bill) Rea & wife Sheila (grandchildren Paul and Alicia); son Brian Rea; daughter Lynette Frederickson (grandchildren Peyton, Chase, and Piper); stepson Mark Sims and wife Kathleen (grandchildren Charlie and Elizabeth); and stepson Todd Sims and wife Wendy (grandchild Isabelle). In addition, he is survived by his sister Velma and husband Arthur Joynt; sister Myrna and husband Jerry McKim; brother Graeme and wife Rose Ann. He is also survived by his precious cats, Ari and Nick.

A viewing will be held on Monday October 3, 2022, from 4 to 6 PM at Johnson-Taylor Funeral Home, 1515 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 10 AM in the sanctuary of the New Life church, 507 West Marian Avenue, Punta Gorda. Reception to follow. A Canadian visitation and service is to be determined. A Burial will take place at Paint Lake Cemetery, Dorset, Ontario, Canada.

Memorial donations may be made to New Life church or the South Port Square Scholarship Fund, Inc. (23033 Westchester Blvd. Port Charlotte FL 33980).