Lyle Larson

Lyle Larson, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on May 31, 2025. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Lyle spent most of his life in Calgary, Alberta, with time also spent living in Red Deer and Edmonton.

He was the eldest son of Erling Larson and RoseAnna Johnsrud, and brother to Brad and Dayle Larson. Lyle is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer, and their children, Abigail (27) and Lucas (12).

Lyle dedicated much of his career to the beverage industry, working in sales and management for notable companies including Big Rock Brewery, Corby Distilleries, Labatt Breweries, and NorthAm Beverages. At the time of his passing, he worked for AGLC in the cannabis division.

Outside of work, Lyle’s passions were many. A devoted Star Wars fan, he delighted in sharing his love for a galaxy far, far away. He cherished time at the family cabin in Hidden Valley—perhaps more than anyone—embracing the peace and joy it brought. He was deeply sentimental and emotionally open, with a rare and beautiful vulnerability that made his love feel even more profound. Lyle had an uncanny knack for remembering important dates and always made those around him feel seen and valued.

He loved spending time with his family, traveling, camping, and the thrill of 4x4 adventures with friends. He enjoyed playing football, watching baseball, curling, live wrestling, and sharing moments of gaming—especially Fortnite and Pokémon Go—with his son. His daughter’s favorite memory is the day she asked him to adopt her and become her real dad—a moment that filled him with immense pride.

Lyle had a lifelong love for vehicles, especially large, older models and muscle cars. He dreamed of owning a Datsun 510. His mechanical curiosity and creative spirit shone during events like the Great Beater Challenge, where he and a group of close friends would fix up an old vehicle and embark on a road trip through rural Alberta, tackling challenges and making lasting memories. Known for his “Tailgate Central” gatherings in the garage, Lyle was a tinkerer—always working on vehicles and sharing laughter.

An animal lover at heart, Lyle adored his dogs Moses, Potter, and Jorge. Music was a constant in his life, and he delighted in attending concerts. Recently, he embraced learning kung fu, and he was a passionate advocate and ally for those less fortunate and marginalized. He valued growth and self-improvement, openly acknowledging his mistakes and striving to be better each day.

Lyle’s generous spirit, kindness, and eagerness to help others left a lasting impression. His smile could light up any room, and his infamous “dad jokes” brought joy and laughter to those around him. Fluent in “pirate talk” and known for his signature toque, jeans, jerseys, and funny t-shirts, Lyle was truly one of a kind. He was known by many nicknames—too many to mention—which just goes to show how special his relationship was with every person he met.

As a child, Lyle was also exceptional. He spoke to groups of adults with confidence and ease well beyond his years. In one unforgettable moment, he marched up to a group of his uncle’s friends, declaring that he was now going to be called “Waylon,” inspired by Waylon Jennings—and some continued to call him Waylon for years after. Affectionately remembered by family as the “little farmer,” Lyle showed immense responsibility early on, even helping drive the tractor during harvest. He often spoke fondly of his time at Grandpa Glenn’s farm. From a very young age, he had a natural desire to include others in anything he enjoyed and always found joy in making people happy.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the agencies, community support, and medical professionals who assisted Lyle throughout his health and wellness journey. They are also deeply grateful for the emotional support offered by friends and loved ones during his most challenging times.

Lyle Larson will be dearly missed by all who knew him. There was no one quite like him.

A celebration of life will take place on June 17, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverbend Community Association, 19 Rivervalley Drive SE, Calgary, AB. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association).