Brian Lyall passed away at home in Kelowna on August 23, 2026, at the age of 75, after a battle with AL amyloidosis. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, on December 17, 1950, Brian grew up in Penticton and Kamloops. He learned to ski at Tod Mountain (now Sun Peaks), and the sport became central to his life. He graduated from Kamloops Secondary School in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Science in physical geography from the University of Victoria in 1974. He had planned to pursue graduate work in forestry, but went skiing instead. His working life began outdoors, timber cruising on BC Forest Service survey crews. He spent winters teaching and coaching skiing across British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and in Chile. He later represented Olin and then Salomon, travelling across Canada to run demo tents, supply ski shops, and outfit athletes. His passion for the ski industry led him to become sales and marketing manager at Marmot Basin in Jasper. Brian married Laura in 1988 and relocated to Calgary, where their two sons were born. In 1993, he moved with his family to Invermere, where he became sales manager at Panorama. Brian and Laura divorced in 2001. He later joined Clarica (which became Sun Life) as a financial advisor. In 2003, he moved to Kelowna and finished his career with Sun Life as a financial centre manager in 2015. Skiing was only one of many pursuits that energized Brian. He raced road bicycles competitively in the 1970s and was an enthusiastic windsurfer who especially enjoyed the Columbia Gorge near Hood River in the 1980s. Brian picked up mountain biking in the late 1990s and enjoyed riding with his sons and weekly local groups. He ran his first of two marathons at age 54. In retirement, Brian became deeply involved with the Kelowna Curling Club, serving on its board, helping to host major tournaments, and coaching junior curlers who competed at the provincial and national levels. He also volunteered as a starter and marshal at Sunset Ranch Golf Club. Brian approached learning the guitar with the curiosity and determination he brought to everything else. He was enthralled by the intricacies of music theory and guitar equipment, with blues and rock holding a special place in his musical world. Brian cared deeply about his community and family. He helped inspire the Wings Over the Rockies bird festival in 1997 and was actively involved in his sons' activities; he served on the Parent Advisory Council and Air Cadet parents' auxiliary. Those who knew Brian will remember him as an extraordinarily determined person who rarely believed that something could not be done. He was a lifelong learner, always looking for ways to improve and pursue excellence, whether on skis, on the curling sheet, or in whatever interest captured his attention. Brian was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Margaret. He is survived by his sons, Steven (Jessica) and Kevin (Kimberley) and his granddaughter. His family is especially grateful to Dr. Delilah Topic, Dr. Steve Follett, and the nursing staff at BC Cancer and Kelowna General Hospital for their care and compassion.

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