Obituary of Evelyn Banting
Evelyn (Lyn) Banting died peacefully at her Centennial Place home in Millbrook, Ontario, at the age of ninety-eight years, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was pre-deceased by her husband Elmer Thomas Banting and her brother John F. Rhind. She is mourned by the Banting family, including Keith and Marilyn, Gerald and Ruth, Gregory and Dawn, Roger and Michelle, along with eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Evelyn was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, the proud daughter and granddaughter of the Rhind family of memorial sculptors and the Todd family of fine art craftsmen. During World War II, she was literally swept off the dance floor by a dashing RCAF pilot, Elmer Banting, and her feet didn’t stop moving again until they landed in the middle of the Saskatchewan prairie. It must have been an incredible culture shock, but she would learn and adapt quickly. That became the pattern of her life. In time, she would be as comfortable in the end zone at a football game as she would be attending the symphony. Evelyn was a superb supporter and confidante to her husband throughout the years as he developed his nursery business and then went on to work in Ottawa for the food industry. Always a very bright and dignified woman, Evelyn read voraciously and was a conscientious and principled example to her sons. A mere look of disappointment was usually enough to discipline any of them.
Evelyn and Elmer were enthusiastic supporters of Trinity United Church in Bowmanville and Woodroffe United in Ottawa. She loved singing in the choir for both congregations, but, as was her nature, she didn’t believe she was very good. Always a generous person who liked to help, for many years she was a volunteer in support of the Ottawa Handicapped Association. She also appreciated time spent at the family cottage on the Ottawa River, and any opportunity to share in the lives of her grandchildren.
Family members are grateful for the love and professional care afforded her by the staff of Seasons Clarington Retirement home, Centennial Place in Millbrook, and the Bowmanville Hospital. For those wishing to make a donation, the family would be grateful for any support of the Durham chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation.
Cremation has taken place and Celebration of Lyn's life will be held on Saturday May 7th at 11 am at NORTHCUTT ELLIOTT FUNERAL HOME Chapel, 53 Division Street North Bowmanville. Those wishing to view the service virtually, please use the link below:
