Obituary of Murray Howard Lydiard
Leave it to Murray “Muzz” came into this world on March 5, 1945, first in a race against his tenacious twin Joan. Soon afterward came the ever-organized little sister, Pat, to keep the twins in line. Raised by two extreme athletes, Ted and Helen, Muzz grew up playing shinny, baseball and any other outdoor sport in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Muzz was a national handball champion and junior national baseball champion, and competed in distance paddle canoe races with his father. Muzz played WHL hockey with the Regina Pats and AHL hockey with the Las Vegas Outlaws. He had many great stories of shenanigans, but his greatest adventure was the life he created with his best friend and forever love, Frances “Frankie.”
Married in the mountains of New Mexico surrounded by an exceptionally loving extended family, they began their voyage. Shortly after their marriage, Muzz lost his leg in a traumatic railway accident, which did not slow him down in the slightest, living life as before; active, fearless and relentless. He was a competitor, a true athlete, and continued alpine ski racing and golf as an amputee at a very high level.
Muzz raised his children, Nicole (Brett) and Danielle (Philipp), with that same spirit and love for the game. He inspired his grandchildren, Georgia, Amelia, Bodhi and Elliot, and niece and nephews, to prioritize physicality and family. He was so very proud of them all.
Muzz was an unconventional fellow, always present and willing to discuss current events and crack a joke, and was a fierce sports trivia competitor. Go Riders, go Oilers and above all, amateur sport!
Never one for religiosity or pageantry, we will be holding a very casual Celebration of Life at the Red Deer Pioneer Lodge, 4324 – 46A Ave, Red Deer AB, on Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Family and friends are encouraged to wear their favourite jersey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CADS (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports) at Cadsalberta.ca.
Condolences for the family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net.
Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta, 587-876-4944.