Obituary of Atillio Angelo Lant

LANT, Atillio (Leo) Angelo

September 13, 1939 – Coleman, Alberta

November 7, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Leo Lant, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law. Leo passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. He will be dearly missed by his many friends.

Leo was born on September 13, 1939, in Coleman, AB. Leo’s love of his family was strong and always present; he was the family anchor and protector.  Leo led by example providing family with strong morals and beliefs, strength of character, determination, and commitment to every undertaking with the highest of standards. Leo’s vitality and capacity for self reinvention was evident in his personal life as well as his business ventures.

Leo’s passion and love of horses was infectious and was passed on through generations to his grandchildren. As with all his endeavors, his success was recognized with numerous accolades and awards. His cutting horse partner, Dunny, mirrored his competitiveness and was his animal soul mate. Together, they set a new record for highest score at the National Cutting Horse Association World Finals held in the Houston Arena.

Another lifelong passion of Leo’s was his love of cars. In his earlier days, he built and ran Oval Dirt Track racing cars. This passion led to a collection of rare classic cars. He was also a self-taught musician with a love for old country music, and a phenomenal two-step and ballroom dancer.

Leo was the consummate entrepreneur and businessman. His ventures began in Edmonton, and lead to successes in Red Deer, Calgary, and Medicine Hat. His ownership of Rodeo Ford Sales in Medicine Hat was his proudest achievement in the business world and ultimately his legacy. Leo’s old school virtues were evident as honored by all in accepting his handshake as his word.

Leo’s lifelong passion and commitment to Masonary and Al Azhar Shriners included his serving as President of the Medicine Hat chapter in 1993, as well as a member of the Mounted Patrol, participating in numerous musical rides and parades.

Leo contributed immensely to the community through support of Kiwanis, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede committee, as well as numerous other sponsorships and organizations. Ever the individual, if you had opportunity to meet Leo, you would surely not forget him. Leo and Doris were fortunate to enjoy most of his retirement in their home in Phoenix, where Leo was often heard at the community Karaoke night or seen creating in the woodworking shop. They also enjoyed time with family, camping and quadding in the Crowsnest Pass and Nordegg.

Leo is lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 30 years, Doris; his children and their partners, Richard (Bobbi) Lant, Diane (Wayne) Henderson, Michael Lant, Kari Meek (Trent), Robin (James) Montgomery and Jeannie Meek; grand-children, Tayler, Rylie, Branden, Jenna, Ryan, Tyler, Sarah, Alex, Kaitlyn, Kelby, Lyndi, Lia, Lakyn, Preston, Ashton, Zander, Jessie; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Waylon, Kaizly; his sister Adeline (Lyle) Asselstine; and his Brother, Larry (Sharon) Lant.

Leo was predeceased by his parents, Primo and Rosa; and his former wives, Lydia Lant (Ditschun) and Sheila Lant (Harris).

The family will be honouring Leo’s request to not have a funeral service. There will be a Celebration of Life at a future date. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Shriners Mounted Patrol, accounting@al-azhar.ab.ca.

In living memory of Leo Lant, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.