Lois Ann Laycraft

LAYCRAFT, Lois Ann
Lois Laycraft, of Calgary, and recently of Paddockwood, SK, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2017 at the George Boyack Nursing Home in Calgary, she was 86 years old. Lois was born June 29, 1930 in Spokane WA to parents John and Esther Badgley. After the untimely death of her father, Lois and her mother immigrated to Ponoka, AB to live with relatives. She completed her schooling there, eventually enrolling in the nursing program at the U of A, Edmonton. She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1951, which led to a position as a District Nurse in Hines Creek, AB. There she met and married the Case farm implement dealer, Wendell Walter Laycraft. Their union produced four sons, John George, Kevin Wendell, Guy Badgley and Thomas William. She never stopped nursing however, helping friends, neighbors and even total strangers, whoever needed medical attention. Her love of horses led her to a long association with the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies, becoming their president and making many lifelong friendships. The tragic death of her husband Wendell and eldest son John (Jack) in 1970 was devastating for her. Several years would pass before she would meet Frank John Sudol, also grieving the loss of his spouse. Together they would explore most of the planet and build a fabulous log home in the woods outside Paddockwood, SK, that became the social hub of the area. She was predeceased by Frank in 2006. A series of strokes and a heart condition created some challenges for her but she never lost her sense of humour. Even knowing her end was near, she could still smile and laugh with friends and family. She is survived by sons, Kevan Leycraft, Guy (Christine), Thomas (Marilyn), step daughters', Katherine (Steve), Joi Phillips (Wilf), grandchildren Charles (Samantha), Alexis (Tyler), William (Kimberly), Ryan (Sally) and Michael (Katy) and great granddaughter Winter Laycraft, as well as nieces and nephews Anne McKay (Barney), Louise Mangan (Liz), Sheila Tachit, James Laycraft (Leslie) and Phillip Tachit. A Celebration of Life memorial will be held later in June. More information will be available from the Evan J. Strong Funeral Services website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on her birthday, Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Unitarian Church of Calgary (1703 1 Street NW). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1999.