Sunde, Kenneth "Lyle"

On Thursday, June 3, 2021, KENNETH "LYLE" SUNDE passed away peacefully in his sleep, following a short, difficult battle with leukemia.

Lyle is survived and lovingly remembered by his children Dawn and Kent; granddaughter, Teya (Kiana); close friend and mother to his children, Dorothy; his best friend Murray Kendall; his personal care companion, Jing; his sisters Joyce, Candace, Mavis, Doreen, Gladys, Bev and Pat; his brother Cal as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lyle was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Alma Sunde and ten siblings.

Although born in Central Butte, SK, Lyle grew up and attended high school in Moose Jaw. In 1969, he and Dorothy moved west to Calgary in search of better employment opportunities.

Lyle was a good friend and always willing to lend a helping hand. Lyle loved children and animals. He would rescue cats and adopt and care for them if they were abandoned or injured. He loved music and liked to sing and play games. His pool playing was legendary. Even after he lost his good eye in an industrial explosion in the mid-seventies, Lyle was able to master a great pool shot. 

In the early 80's, the company Lyle was working for closed their operations in Alberta, so Lyle moved to Lethbridge for a new start. Calgary was getting too big; the traffic was heavier, and he needed a smaller centre to get around and work more comfortably.

Lyle was very social, friendly, and caring person. He loved meeting with his friends at the Legion and other clubs and participating in and organizing tournaments. He had met many challenges in his life and had been forced to adapt. He made the changes as he needed to make them and was still able to enjoy a good laugh.

With time, Lyle's vision loss increased to blindness. The family was able to employ some wonderful personal care attendants and keep him in his house until October 2019, when he moved into St. Michael's senior supported living. In addition to the staff at St. Michael's, the family very much appreciates the support and help given by Lyle's best friend, Murray Kendall; and his personal care companion Jing Tan.

Even more so during this past year with COVID. Murray and Jing were there for him. The two people who allowed to visit him and who stood by him, treating him as family, during that hard long year. He was blessed as the two people who done so much for him were also there with him those last few days.

The family would like to thank Dr. Timothy Collins for his invaluable assistance in supporting our efforts with Lyle's care over the years.

Due to the current health situation, a private gathering was held immediately following Lyle's death. As none of Lyle's immediate family lives in Lethbridge, or even in Alberta an in-person gathering is not feasible. 

A Memorial service and gathering will be held via zoom, July 3, 2021, at 1:00 pm - Mountain Time - (Alberta) - Noon - Vancouver time. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Graham K. Brownmiller of Jubilee United Church in Burnaby, BC.  

Everyone is welcome to attend the Memorial. If you are interested in attending, please contact the family at ddksunde@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers in memory of Lyle, donations may be made to The Paws Society of Lethbridge (www.pawsociety.com) or your local SPCA or Foodbank.