Obituary of Lyall Mitchell Thomson

Lyall Mitchell Thomson, 68, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on March 9, 2023, in Calgary.

Lyall was born in Winnipeg, MB, to Beulah Merner, who later married Ken Thomson when Lyall was 6 years old.  Lyall’s early years were spent in Edmonton. In Grade 5, St. Albert became home where Lyall graduated from Paul Kane High school in 1972.  He went on to marry, Leslie, his ‘high school sweetheart’, in 1974.  They were married for 48 years but were together for 51 years.  Lyall’s faith in Jesus was always his basis for everything he did. He used his skills and abilities wherever he could in every church in which he was a member.

Lyall provided consulting services to public (Government, Post-Secondary) and private entities.  Prior to consulting, he served as an educator and administrator for over 35 years in secondary and post-secondary institutes and held the senior position of Superintendent of Schools/CEO in Alberta and Director of Education/CEO in Ontario.  During this time his primary focus was what was best for the students.

Lyall was a lifelong learner. In addition to his career experience, Lyall earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Alberta and a PhD from the University of Calgary.  He also travelled extensively and represented his school divisions in England, Taiwan, China, Turkey, and across Canada.

In 2012, Lyall took the position of CEO of the Mustard Seed.  Considering his early upbringing in the inner-city area of Edmonton it was fitting that he should be dealing with the care of the many vulnerable people who are in the cities of Calgary and Edmonton. It was his goal to make the programs available to all who needed them.  He was regularly on the street outside his office talking with the people who called the street their home.

In the early years of his career, Lyall put so much effort into his work, he had little time for hobbies.  However, he did “work out” at the gym as much as his schedule would allow.  After moving to Calgary in 2001, he took a motorcycle riding and safety course, bought a motorcycle, and loved touring on the highways and side roads of Alberta and B.C. While living in Ottawa, he loved to explore roads he’d never traveled.  It was his escape! 

In 2010, now back in Calgary, he decided he would like to learn how to ride horses properly, so he and Leslie took courses on how to groom and tack a horse, as well as how to ride. Over the next few years, regularly riding horses turned out to be his favourite thing to do.  He loved riding on trails through our mountains and volunteering at the ranch! 

His latest sport/hobby was that of competitive target shooting and he spent many weekends competing. At this stage of his life, Lyall was probably in his most healthy and best state of fitness because of this activity.

Lyall’s love for his family was without a doubt his utmost passion.  He spent many hours with his grandchildren, driving them to their activities and getting to know them better.  They meant everything to him.

Lyall is survived by his wife, Leslie, daughter, Alana, son Ian, daughter-in-law Tracy and their three children, (Lyall and Leslie’s treasured grandchildren) Sadie, Avery, and Ollie. He is also survived by many cousins, one niece and five nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Ken and Beulah.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Rockyview hospital where Lyall was first diagnosed.  Heartfelt thanks to the many doctors and nurses in Foothills hospital Unit 36 who cared for and supported him through this very difficult diagnosis.  Thank you also to the Palliative Community Care Team who helped in our home, and Dulcina Hospice personnel for their care in Lyall’s last few days.

Memorial donations may be made to any organization that promotes learning, or the Canadian Cancer Society for research towards a cure for pancreatic cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Centre Street Church, (3900, 2 Street N.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Lyall Thomson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.