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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ANDERSON, Lyle - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lyle Anderson. Lyle passed away peacefully on the morning of December 5, 2022, just short of his 93rd birthday. Lyle is survived by his loving wife Norma of 70 years, his son, Dave Anderson (Geraldine), his daughter Catherine Aikens (Rod), son Don Anderson (Iris) as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Lyle was predeceased by his granddaughter Heather.
Lyle was born in Red Deer, Alberta. In his teens he worked on several farms to keep things going while the men were off fighting in the war. He spent 2 years in the Navy. As a young man he followed his father's footsteps and worked on the railroad. In 1952 he married his sister Barb's friend Norma MacLeod whom he met in Ashcroft where her parents had an apiary.
Lyle was a long-time resident of Kamloops. Early in their marriage Lyle and Norma lived in Glacier and Lyle worked for CP Rail as a signal maintenance person. When their oldest son, Dave reached school age Lyle moved his family to Kamloops where he lived until 2021. After COVID restrictions were lifted Lyle moved to Stettler, Alberta to join Norma who had moved there during the pandemic.
Lyle was a very community minded person, always involved in community organizations and charities. Among his many accomplishments he was one of three founders of the Big Brothers of Kamloops organization, he was involved with United Way in its early days, and was voted school board trustee. He was on the board of Cariboo College. He assisted with the arrangements for the Royal Visit to Kamloops in the 1980s and had the opportunity to meet the Queen. He was very involved with First Nations people and helped them get a kindergarten going as the government would not get involved. He was an honorary member of the Blackfoot nation.
Late in his life Lyle was in charge of public relations for Kamloops Heritage Railway and spent time researching the Chinese Head Tax and its impact on Chinese immigrants and their families. He and Norma were long time members of the Kamloops Canadian Chinese Society. He had a plan to develop a Western Canada Heritage center which would have housed all of the arts, culture and heritage amenities for Kamloops, and had his advanced age not put an end to his dreams he surely would have brought it to fruition.
Lyle enjoyed cooking and his Christmas Turkey was always a big hit. The bane of his existence was his computer, which never seemed to cooperate exactly how he expected it to. He also enjoyed wood working and furniture making.
Lyle will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In memory of Lyle donations may be made to Big Brothers or to the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society. (The Kamloops This Week 13 Dec 2022)
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