It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Lyle Erling Larson on November 22, 2020.  Affectionately known as “Bud”, he charmed and entertained his audiences with his humor and story-telling.

He will be sorely missed by his three children; Penny (Wilf) Parsons, Joan (Norman) Fahselt, Erling (Anne) Larson, his elder sister Isabelle Bleakley, his 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.  Bud was predeceased by his brother Lloyd and sisters Lois and Joy.  Born in Cabri hospital and raised on the homestead farm and later in Abbey Saskatchewan, Bud was the middle child of parents Lars and Helen Larson.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Bud signed up with the Air Force in 1941.  After extensive training, he was sent overseas in September 1943, as a pilot, and quickly climbed to the rank of Flight Lieutenant as a Commissioned Officer.  Bud was a decorated airman, having earned 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses in serving 2 tours of duty (52 trips) with Pathfinder Squadron 405, flying a Lancaster Bomber.  Bud returned home from the war in June 1945 and participated in a Cross Canada Benevolent Fund Trip, meeting with eagerly waiting crowds in Canada’s major cities.  His Lancaster set a record time in flying from Vancouver to Winnipeg.  It is an understatement to say that Bud was a war hero to all that knew him.  In his later years, everyone would intently listen to his many war stories – needless to say Bud enjoyed the audiences.  He was proud and yet humble of his accomplishments in the war.  It was a time where he truly knew that what he was doing was important to his family, his nation and the world. Ironically, this was one of the lasting highlights of his life.

Following the war, he spent a short time as a government employee in Regina before moving to Cabri and joining the family butcher business with his dad Lars and brother Lloyd.  Later, he spent his remaining working years as Town Administrator/Secretary in Cabri and Davidson, Saskatchewan.  He retired to Creston BC, where he was welcomed by his daughter Joan and husband Norman.  Bud was quickly introduced to everyone and soon he was curling, golfing, playing bridge and acquired many new friends.  He moved into Crestview Village Seniors home, which was his home until the end.

Bud was the drawing card for family events being held in Creston.  Many birthdays and family gatherings took place, where Bud was always the center of attention.  His friendship to everyone was always on display – he enjoyed everyone, had time for everyone, would help anyone and was kind to everyone.  Bud was a person of solid character and integrity.  Rarely, would you hear Bud speak a negative word about anyone.

Due to Covid-19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, friends and family can make a memorial contribution to the Bomber Command Museum of Canada:  P.O. Box 1051 Nanton, AB Canada T0L 1R0.