Harry Tyrrell

Harry MacDermid Tyrrell passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, at the age of 93.

Harry was born on March 13, 1933, in Edson, Alberta, to Dermid Tyrrell and Dagmar Carlson. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Duffield, Alberta, where Harry spent his childhood and developed a lifelong connection to both the community and the land. He was the oldest of six children, sharing his early years with siblings Carol, Jean, Lorne, Divona, and Ron.

As a young man, Harry was active in local sports, competing in horse races and playing baseball for teams from Duffield and the Paul Band First Nation. He attended school in Duffield before continuing his education in Stony Plain.

After graduating from high school, Harry worked in a lumber camp during a particularly harsh winter. The experience inspired him to pursue a different path, and in 1955 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served as a navigator on CF-100 fighter aircraft while stationed in North Bay, Ontario. During his time there, he met Shirley Leishman, whom he married in July 1958.

Following five years of military service, Harry and Shirley returned to Duffield in 1960, where he took over the family farm. For the next four decades, he devoted himself to farming and to raising their three sons, Gregory, Kevin, and Mark. He farmed until his retirement in 2000, earning the respect of family, friends, neighbours, and the wider community through his hard work, integrity, and dedication to rural life.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Shirley, in 2003, Harry was fortunate to find companionship with Shirley Martens. Together they shared many happy years filled with friendship, travel, and the enjoyment of one another's company.

Throughout his life, Harry was deeply involved in his community. He enjoyed playing softball and hockey with the Wabamun Oldtimers teams and generously contributed his time through service on the local Rural Electrification Association (REA). He was also a passionate environmentalist who cared deeply about the natural world and responsibility for stewardship of the land.

Harry will be remembered for his devotion to family, his strong work ethic, his community spirit, and his love of Alberta's countryside. His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Harry was predeceased by his sisters Jean and Divona and his brother Ron.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Misericordia Hospital and the Grandview Continuing Care Centre for their support and care.

A funeral service will be held at Parkland Funeral Services, 3502-44th Ave, Stony Plain, Friday September 18, 2026, at 1:00PM. Interment will occur after the service at the Smithfield Cemetery followed by a reception at Duffield Community Hall.