Audray McTAVISH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

McTAVISH: Audray Helena McTavish (Shaw-Shine) April 18th 1915 – November 4th 2009. Audray was the 2nd of six children born to Oscar William and Ruth Amelia Shaw in Lauder MB. Audrey was pre-deceased by her parents, husband Russell Shine, grandson Timothy Shine, daughter- in-law Joan Shine and siblings Lynn James, and Nadean. At the time of Audray’s death she was survived by her late husband Robert Boyd McTavish, her late granddaughter Sherri Shine, her son Lyrelle (Larry) Shine, brother Eldon and sisters Winona and Inez, and many nieces and nephews. Born into a farming family in south western MB in 1915, Audray took on duties to help the family sustain a living. Farm chores and house duties were the norm and Audray, as second eldest of six children, helped in the raising of her younger siblings. Though times were hard Audray always maintained a wonderful sense of humour with an infectious laugh that brought joy to the hearts of anyone she spent time with. Audray attended Lauder school for 12 years. After graduation Audray had an opportunity with Canada Packers to run an egg plant operation in Fort Francis ON, where she met and married Russell Shine. Together they had one son Lyrelle (Larry). Relocating to Winnipeg Audray took on the role of mother and home-maker. The passing of her husband Russell in 1967 required Audray to rely on her determination to move forward despite the grief she suffered at this most difficult time. For example she took driving lessons so she could use the family car. The introduction to Robert Boyd McTavish of Strathclair MB led Audray to a new chapter in her life. Re-married in 1973 to Robert the two became inseparable, gardening, golfing, dancing, and travelling together were a few of the many common interests they would share during their 36 year marriage. Audray loved to garden and share the fruits of her labour with others. Audray enjoyed travel. Together with Bob she visited parts of Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and much of Canada and the US. For many winters they would stay November till April in Donna Texas. Dances, golfing and pool tournaments kept Audray active. Audray managed to get a hole in one on the first hole of Shoal Lake golf course and no one was prouder of this feat than her husband Bob. A severe stroke left Audray with impairments, and once again her strong determination to carry on came to the fore. Exercise with a home built pulley system in the basement and a tread mill would repair her motor skills. A chalk board with the message “I can do it” hung nearby for motivation. She spent countless hours learning how to use a computer, designing greeting cards she proudly mailed to friends and family, or printing off pictures, jokes or sending emails. Audray recovered from her stroke and would once again golf, garden, and do all the activities she loved. At the age of 94 Audray passed away after a brief illness in the Shoal Lake hospital. Because Audray and Bob loved travelling together, their final journey will be celebrated together at 11:00 a.m. October 24th, 2015 in the Strathclair United Church. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 20, 2015