Lyle Smordin has a variety of interests. Sports...radio and television ... law...human rights...theatre...family...community...education...he embraces it all with zest, with curiosity, and with heart.

He embodies what his grandparents dreamt of when they left their homes in Europe seeking a better life in Canada. Mendel and Gitte Smordin came from Nikolayev in the Ukraine, Louis and Kate Meyerowitz from Lithuania. The Smordins settled on Burrows Avenue in Winnipeg's north end while the Meyerowitz family spent some time on a farm in Bird's Hill before opening a dry goods store in Elmwood.

Harvey Smordin, Lyle's father, only nine months old when he arrived in Winnipeg, attended Strathcona and Isaac Newton schools and, at the age of 16, went to work at the Grain Exchange which helped to support his family of eight siblings. His mother, Ida Meyerowitz, was born in Winnipeg and attended Lord Selkirk School, St. John's Tech and the University of Manitoba and was working at the Hudson's Bay Company when she met Harvey. They married in 1935.

Lyle was born on January 11, 1938. He attended I. L. Peretz Folk School until Grade 7, Luxton School for Grades 8 and 9, and St. John's Tech for Grade 10. Outside of school, the `Y' on Hargrave Street was his life, the "Rams" Club began some life-long friendships. In spite of his mother's efforts, music lessons proved futile and instead he pursued training in speech arts.

In 1953, when Lyle was 15, his father took a job in Saskatoon with Waldman and Paul. Lyle continued his education at Nutana Collegiate and then the University of Saskatchewan where in 1960 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Drama. In 1957, he began radio announcing on CKOM in Saskatoon, an interest that he pursued after moving back to Winnipeg where he was on the original announcing staff of CTV when it opened in the fall of 1960, and subsequently for CBC Radio and Television. Lyle's love for radio announcing continues to this day with a regular weekend stint on Winnipeg's CHNR 100.7 FM.

Lyle married Evita Phomin on July 30, 1961. "She thought she was marrying a television announcer," he says, "but soon after we married I became a law student". The next few years were hectic with studies, articling, summer work at the CBC, and a new family.

At the same time, Lyle became active in the community. He credits Bobby Floom who encouraged him to become involved with B'nai Brith and the Liberal Party — both "good connections for a young lawyer". His passion for the work of combating racism and anti-Semitism is evident since his activities with B'nai Brith continue to this day. He has served in numerous positions locally and nationally including President of B'nai Brith Canada and currently holds the position of Vice-President of B'nai Brith International.

Lyle graduated in law and was called to the Bar in 1965, and is a partner with the law firm of Smordin, Pauls & Associates. He has served as President of the Manitoba Bar Association, is a Past National Executive Member of the Canadian Bar Association, is the originator and subsequent National Chair of National Law Day, the originator and host of "You and the Law", a public legal information program on Global TV, and a lecturer for 35 years for the Law Society of Manitoba Bar Admission Course.

The Better Business Bureau has also benefited from Lyle's expertise both as honorary counsel and as Board member - he has served as President of the Better Business Bureau of Winnipeg as well as on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus. Lyle has also been active on the Board of the Canada-Israel Committee including a term as Regional Chair and has served on the Board of Directors of the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council and Chai Folk Arts Council.

When Lyle first returned to Winnipeg he volunteered at the Talmud Torah and Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate, helping to organize plays, concerts, and fund-raising events of all kinds. Over the years, his love for theatre has led to innumerable performances including roles at the Hollow Mug Dinner Theatre and Rainbow Stage.

In 1992, Lyle was the recipient of the Governor General's Commemorative Medal. He received the City of Winnipeg Community Service Award in 1995 and the Manitoba Human Rights Achievement Award in 1997.

While these awards bring him great satisfaction, Lyle is most proud of his family. He and Evita have three daughters: Jodi, Francyn and Marni. Jodi lives in Winnipeg with her husband Israel Binnun and their two sons Gilad and Oren. Francyn also lives in Winnipeg with her daughter Lily, and Marni lives in Minneapolis with her husband Alex Tselos and their daughters Zoe and Gabrielle.

Lyle's hopes for the future of this community become evident when he speaks of his family. He is pleased that all of his children graduated from Winnipeg's Jewish schools. "The schools serve as a focal point for this community. I am very gratified to see how our school system has developed. Hopefully it will serve as an inducement for people to remain in Winnipeg."

He is also proud that his children and grandchildren value involvement in their communities. "I've always thought that community involvement is an activity where no matter at what level, you always get back more than you give. It's extremely rewarding."