November 8, 1947 ~ February 17, 2024 WEIS, Lyle P.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dr. Lyle Percy Weis announces his passing at the age of 76 years, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Lyle was born in Beardmore, Ontario on November 8, 1947 and passed away February 17, 2024 in Medicine Hat.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved best friend and wife Darlene Renner; son Jared (Rachel) Weis; daughter Erica (Bryan) McKeddie, their children Brodie and Lea; sister Christine (Eldon) Kraushar; niece Crystal and her children; sister Sharlene Weis; Stepson Aaron (Alissa) Renner, their children Abigail and Noah; Stepson Justin (Chelsey) Renner; their children Jonas and Isla; Also mourning the loss are his in-laws Verna (Ken) Pollock; Dona Fyke; Ron (Debbie) Remus and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Glen and Sylvia Weis.

Lyle spent most of his childhood and school years in Marysville, Washington before his family moved to Coquitlam, BC where he graduated from high school. He would often fondly recall playing in the Allen Creek Ravine- memories that would later transpire into much of his written work.

He attended Simon Fraser University, achieving a Bachelor of Arts; the University of British Columbia for his Master of Arts degree and Teaching Certificate; and the University of Alberta for his PhD in Canadian Literature. He first taught various school grades in Richmond, Vernon, and Edmonton, and later taught at the University of Alberta.

Lyle was a lifetime published poet, author of adult fiction, young adult literature, short stories, book reviews, and multiple magazine articles. He co-authored an English textbook for the University of Athabasca and helped found On Spec, The Canadian Magazine of the Fantastic. With his energy and unique teaching style, he was a favourite conference speaker for teachers and writers, from Vancouver to Toronto.

Lyle always encouraged others to write, giving talks and workshops to adult writing groups. He was active in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Edmonton’s Stroll of Poets. Following his love of mentoring young writers led him to leave teaching at the university level to visit schools and teach writing workshops across Alberta, Saskatchewan and BC with the Young Adult Book Society (YABS). Working with children as a storyteller and writing mentor—especially with reluctant readers and within indigenous communities—became his main passion, and he became one of YABS most loved and widely requested visiting authors. Photos show him beaming, surrounded by children with faces lit up by his warm, energetic and inclusive teaching style. He was an annual participant in Taleblazers and toured with the Wordpower program. He served as vice-chair on the YABS board and spearheaded an advocacy committee. He was also deeply involved in the Writers Guild of Alberta, including serving a term as Executive Director.

As an itinerant author, the first in Alberta to do it as a living, Lyle traveled to places in BC, AB, and Sask, visiting schools to give writing workshops. From HIgh Level, to Fort Mac, Cold Lake to Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Calgary, Cardston to Medicine Hat, and hundreds of places between. He was the first author to be invited to teach at a Hutterite Colony, where he was treated to a tour of their kitchens and a tasty meal! One of his greatest pleasures was teaching at various indigenous schools, where he was able to learn about their traditions, ceremonies and foods. Kainai was his favourite school. As he often spent 2-3 weeks in various schools, returning over the years, he was also able to forge lasting friendships with many staff members.

The life he shared with his soulmate Dar was filled with the joys of travel, exploration, laughter, and of course - writing. Together they enjoyed festivals, strolling Whyte Ave (Edmonton), walking the river valley, discovering new restaurants. Lyle particularly loved Victoria and being at the ocean. In Medicine Hat he spent hours walking their dog Pharo and riding his bike. Lyle had a lifelong interest in history, politics, and geography and could speak and write eloquently on these and any other subjects. He was a kid at heart and love to play, laugh, and joke around.

Medicine Hat was the last chapter of his life. He became a familiar face in the neighbourhood, visiting, sharing a beer with friends on the deck, and working in the yard. Lyle planted many trees, built garden boxes and created flower beds. He dove into home projects throughout his life including building, renovating, and fixing. He was a great supporter of local business, the library, volunteering for various political campaigns, and a faithful reader of the newspaper. He enjoyed Scrabble, crosswords and anything to do with words. Lyle enjoyed their busy house, visiting, games, meals with friends from near and far. He enjoyed long discussions on the phone with his long time long time dear friend and fellow teacher, Ron Karagianis. Lyle was particularly delighted with FaceTime visits with Jared and Rachel as well.

A doting grandpa, affectionately known as Beebo, he was teacher, friend, and playmate to his grandchildren. He spent many hours with Jonas, mentoring him in writing, encouraging his music, and going on walks and bike rides— always stopping for milkshakes. He delighted in Isla’s antics. He enjoyed her interest in baking and cooking, and was treated to many tea parties with her homemade treats. He applauded her dancing and attended her performances. He welcomed and enjoyed Abby and Noah and was tickled by his popularity with Abby! All the grandchildren were treated to his unique storytelling, willingness to read and play, and be involved in every aspect of their lives.

To honour Lyle’s passionate commitment to encouraging young people to read and write, memorial donations may be made to the Young Alberta Book Society, Taleblazers or Seeds of Stories Bursaries fund. Donate via Canada Helps https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/young-alberta-book-society/ or e-transfer to ed@yabs.ab.ca, or cash or cheque to the YABS office at 11759 Groat Road, Edmonton, AB, T5M 3K6. Contact Stephanie at 780-422-8232 or ed@yabs.ab.ca.

Memorial Donations can also be made to Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Medicine Hat, AB.

The family would like to send a sincere thank you to the compassion and care provided by Dr. Holland, Dr. Cloete, and Dr. Jori Hardin in addition to all the wonderful doctors, nurses and technicians on 5E, 4W, 2N, ICU and the Tom Baker and Medicine Hat Cancer Clinic.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 4th from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton – 2510 Box Springs Blvd NW Medicine Hat, Alberta.