Harry Carlyle

Our Harry passed away at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the age of 91 years young. He was born in the farming community of Eckville, Alberta where he attended school and first realized his love of music and dancing. Hearing the Call of the North, he moved to Whitehorse, Yukon in the spring of 1946. He was an adventuresome young man always telling the story of how he and a few buddies forged the clear green water and rapids of the Yukon river swirling past cliffs of volcanic rock, barely surviving the trip. Harry was fearless telling all not to give him a Dare, he would never turn one down. He enjoyed Big Game and Bird Hunting, Fishing and Mining for Gold. While in Whitehorse he met vivacious telephone operator Bette Davidson and they married in 1958. Harry's job through out his life usually involved being behind the wheel, starting with taxis for brother Steve, buses and trucks hauling ore in the far North. Harry also spent many years on the Dempster Highway as road fill inspector and time keeper for contractors. After many years in the Yukon, he and Bette decided to move back to her hometown of Banff, Alberta. Harry never lost the strong feeling he had for the land of the midnight sun but did grow to love Banff as well. Not to be forgotten was Harry's love of playing pool which he did often at the Banff Legion and was very good at it, always enjoying a jug of beer with his friends in between games. Harry enjoyed walking, hence his remarkable long and healthy life. As sister-in-law, Isabelle Carlyle said in a wonderful family book she had written "Harry is the kindest, most honest person, loving to dance, party and have fun. He would never disparage anyone." Whitehorse friend Doug Trim wrote he was always happy and that rubbed off on everyone around him.

Harry was predeceased by his soul mate of almost 52 years, Bette, in 2010. Also his father Peter and mother Mary Ellen, brother Jim and sister Jenny. He will be affectionately missed by his loving companion & caregiver Nawana Payne who he considered a miracle in his life for the past few years, brother Steve Carlyle, niece Cheryl Thorsteinson, nephews Randy, Greg and Guy Carlyle all of Red Deer, niece Lavilla Johannson of Sylvan Lake, nephew Larry Carlyle of Whitehorse, niece Terry Naffin & nephew Shane Coultis of Banff, nephew Greg Coultis of Calgary and all their families, friends at Mount Edith House where he resided for almost 31 years.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nancy Blaney, Nurse Practitioner Dr. Laura Hampton, Brenda Pelton and team, nurses caring for Harry at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital....we do apologize for any one missed

At Harry's request, there will be no funeral service.

A Celebration of Life will be held at on Saturday, April 18 at 2 pm

in the Banff Royal Canadian Legion

This was no ordinary life

This was a life well-lived

and well-loved,

a life that will be deeply missed.

Friends wishing to remember Harry may make a donation, in his memory, to the Banff Royal Canadian Legion, Col. Moore Branch #26 Memorial Fund.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.