Lyle passed away suddenly at High River hospital from complications of chemotherapy, with his family at his side.
Born in Kenora Ontario to Fredolf “Fred” and Nellie (nee Lindstrom) Anderson, Lyle was the middle brother to Randall and Glen. Lyle grew up in Lakeside, playing hockey in winter and golf in summer and remaining a life-long lover of these sports. He lived for golf—a scratch golfer at his best and a single-digit handicap into his 70’s, Lyle travelled across Canada and the US to play as many top courses as he could. His highlights were a hole-in-one (twice!) and playing the old course at St. Andrews.
Lyle completed his carpentry apprenticeship in 1957 in Toronto. He started working as a carpenter with Bergman & Nelson Builders, then founded Fred Anderson & Sons with his father and brothers, building houses and schools in the Kenora region. In 1969, Poole Construction Ltd (later PCL) came calling, hiring Lyle as a superintendent to build the Kenora Federal Building. His career with PCL took Lyle and his family to Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto where he and his construction teams built may beautiful projects over 28 years. Lyle retired from PCL in 1997 as Field Construction Manager but returned as a consultant and mentor until 2008—with golf games included in his fee! Lyle was most proud of the teamwork that created Toronto’s BCE Place and particularly the spectacular Santiago Calatrava atrium. PCL brought out the best in Lyle, challenging his mind, fuelling his determination, and galvanizing his leadership and mentoring skills.
Lyle married Kenora girl Roberta Kerr in 1959 and they had daughters Diane and Shelley (“Stevie”). They ended their marriage in 1975, but remained close throughout his life. He met Wendy Johnston on the Calgary BMO jobsite in 1981, marrying her in 1986 and bringing her son Danny into the family. On Lyle’s retirement, he and Wendy moved to Okotoks, AB and spent many years snow-birding to Arizona. When he wasn’t golfing or perfecting his lawn, Lyle could be found in his woodshop creating beautiful heirlooms for family and friends.
In December 2015, Lyle was diagnosed with colon cancer, and he used his iron will and strength of mind to fight and survive many surgeries and setbacks with nary a complaint—his only grumblings were when the Calgary Flames and Toronto Blue Jays weren’t performing.
If you asked anyone, they would say Lyle was a kind man who made everyone feel special and significant—because to him, they were. He put careful thought, precision, and craftsmanship into everything he did—whether it was cutting the lawn, writing birthday card messages, or handcrafting clocks. His grandchildren have been the love of his life. Lyle had a tight bond with each one of them, becoming a self-taught, tech-savvy, big-thumbed text-er along the way. For his daughters, words can’t express the depth of love or ache of pride for the man he was and they have cherished every minute of his company. Lyle was a gentle man with a beautiful soul. His blue eyes and warm smile will always be remembered.
Lyle was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Randall Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Wendy; daughters Diane (John Muzzo), Shelley (Mark Courtney) and son Danny; grandchildren Jake, Jessica, and Stuart Courtney, and Isabella Anderson Hatfield; brother Glen (Georgina) Anderson, first wife Roberta Kerr and sister-in-law, Millie Anderson. He is also survived by nieces Tracey and Crystal (Pete), Kathy (Pierre) and Lorretta and by nephews Fred (BJ) and Jeff and all his extended family. Lyle loved his dog Koosie and she misses him so. He’ll be sorely missed by his PCL family, dear friends and neighbours.
Sincere thanks to the many relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbours, who visited, called regularly, and helped Lyle and his family during these challenging times. Thank you to Dr. Jose Monzon and Nurse Shirala at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and family physician Dr. Goodwill Mkhabela of Okotoks for their sincere care of him.
In honour of Lyle’s wishes, there will be no service. A celebration of Lyle’s life will take place 2:00 pm Saturday June 9th, 2018 at Diane and John’s home in Bragg Creek, AB. Lyle’s ashes will be returned to Lake of the Woods, Kenora, ON Saturday Sept 8th, 2018. Please contact the family at LyleFAnderson@gmail.com for details.
Unable to perceive the shape of you, I find you all around me. Your presence fills my eyes with your love. It humbles my heart, for you are everywhere.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lyle Fredolf Anderson October 1 1939 March 2 2018 (age 78).source
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta