Obituary
Lyall Allen Knight, of Tees, beloved son of Frank and Lilly Knight, passed away suddenly the afternoon of August 17, 2022, at the age of 87 years.
Lyall was born in Clive, Alberta on April 3,1935 in his grandmother Annie Wickenberg’s home. He was named after his cousin Lyall Wickenberg who told Lilly if he had to phone the doctor, she had to name the baby after him! Lyall was the 7th of 9 children born to Frank and Lilly. One of Lyall’s favourite early memories was when Dr. Lock brought his baby brother William and the neighbour’s baby David Boyd home from the Lacombe hospital and laid them both on the bed for everyone to admire.
Lyall grew up on the family farm north of Tees, Alberta just east of the Nebraska hall where he learned all aspects of farming from his father Frank and his large and capable family. Lyall grew to be quite an athlete and a very good baseball player and pitcher. In 1953 he was invited to Fresno California for spring training by Bill Svilich of the Brooklyn Dodgers, (now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers). He rode the bus all the way from Red Deer to get there and Lilly told him to make sure he didn’t get involved with any gangsters! He was so excited that one of his coaches at the camp was the famous Satchel Paige. During the spring training, he unfortunately sustained permanent damage to his throwing arm and would never be able pitch to his full potential again.
When Lyall returned from California he began to settle down and eventually met the love of his life Linda DeLeeuw at the local ballpark in 1961. They were married on July 27, 1963, in Bashaw, Alberta. One of their beautiful wedding photos won a provincial photography award! Lyall and Linda then purchased their own farm from Chuck and Molly Parsons in 1963. This home quarter is also home to the Nebraska Community Hall, where Lyall played and coached on many baseball teams. His family and friends spent many precious moments at the hall over the years celebrating special occasions, attending meetings and many other events.
Lyall and Linda had 4 children in the first four and a half years of their marriage (Robert, John, Julia, and Bruce, from May 1964 to December 1968) and then one more son (Peter) in 1982.
The farm was Lyall’s passion, and he ensured that all his children took part in maintaining and growing the family farm. He was able to manage many different types of farming, including cereal crops, hay crops, cattle, chickens, sheep, hogs, milk cows, etc. and he did so with sheer determination and resolve.
In January 1974, Lyall and Linda travelled to France to view a new breed of beef cattle called Maine Anjou. Shortly after that, they imported two, very expensive, but also very productive full blood Maine Anjou cows to the farm. From there, Lyall and his family worked very hard showing these cows and their offspring at various shows in Western Canada, including Calgary Stampede, Northlands Farmfair, Regina’s Agribition and numerous other shows in central Alberta. Some of these prize-winning animals were sold to buyers as far away as Mexico. His resolve for farming never wavered through many lean years and he was rewarded with many excellent years along the way. No matter what life dealt him, Lyall was often singing his favourite songs or whistling while working on the farm and it was clear to all that he truly loved what he did!
Later in life, Lyall tapped into his artistic nature and began acting in many live plays in Clive and Bashaw. He really enjoyed portraying multiple characters over many years and loved to contribute and work at the plays as well as part of the supporting cast.
His long and storied life is one to be admired as he always did what he wanted to do and has always been considered a wonderful, son, brother, brother-in-law, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a great friend to so many. His contagious and beautiful smile will never be forgotten.
Lyall was predeceased by his eldest son Robert Allan in 2019. He will be dearly missed by his dear wife Linda; son John (Karen); daughter Julia Boser (Len); son Bruce (Karen); son Peter (Lindsay); 13 grandchildren: Natasha Alderman (Mike), Nicole Boser, Nadine Boser (Chris), Shenise Dagg (Kevin), Jessica Knight-Schell (Jory), Jennah Boser (KC), Kodi Guilbault (Jared), Danielle Knight (Jayden), Kandace Knight, Zach Knight (Sierra), Shae-Lynn Knight, Naomi Knight, and Chance Knight; as well as 15 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends and neighbours.
A Prayer Vigil for Lyall will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (4919 – 51 St., Bashaw, Alberta).
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church (5128 – 53 St., Lacombe, Alberta).
The Interment Service will be held immediately following the Funeral Mass at the Earlville Rutherford Cemetery north of Tees, followed by a luncheon and video tribute at St. Stephen Catholic Church Hall in Lacombe.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lyall Allen Knight April 3 1935 August 17 2022 (age 87)..
Death notice for the town of: Wetaskiwin, Province: Alberta