Obituary of Glen Robert Leyden

February 15, 1946 – Edson, Alberta

May 11, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Glen Leyden, a humble, generous man who spent his life dedicated to serving others, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Calgary, AB, with his loving wife of 55 years at his side.  

Born in Edson, AB, on February 15, 1946, to Dave and Alberta Leyden, the family relocated to Nelson, BC, shortly after his younger brother was born.  Before they were able to set roots in Nelson, the family relocated to Kaslo, where Glen made many lifelong friends and allowed his roots to run deep. Glen developed a love of music at a young age and spent many evenings cruising the streets and playing music in his vehicle.  

His life’s path was set when he drove across the country to attend Expo ‘67 in Montreal, QC.  While visiting a family friend in Dunville, he was working odd jobs and landed in St. Catherines, ON, where he met the love of his life, Jeanette. They were married in June of 1968 and returned to Kaslo so Glen could attain his heavy-duty mechanic license. In 1972, an opportunity at the world’s largest open pit mine presented itself and they moved to Sparwood, BC. Over the next decade, they brought four children into the world and became the owners of Sparwood Husky, which became a launching point for his bussing and towing businesses alongside many other entrepreneurial ventures.

Although Glen worked long hours with his business, he found time to be heavily involved in the community.  He served proudly as a member of the Lions Club, holding many positions over the years including President, MD 19 Exchange Student Director, and Cabinet Chairman. He believed deeply in the work that Lions Clubs International does through its vision program and support of cancer care for children. His passion for local business led him to mentor others and become involved in Community Futures (serving as Chairman of the Board for the East Kootenay Community Futures Development Society) and The Chamber of Commerce (serving on the BC Board of Directors). His passion for vehicles led him to the Automotive Retailers Association, serving as a director for years and allowing him the opportunity to write for their publications.  He was a Freemason and Shriner, serving two terms as president of the Cranbrook Shrine Club.  He also spent many years leading and supporting the Coal Miner Days committee in Sparwood, among many other causes that he dedicated his time and efforts towards. He also gave in a way that is so needed by regularly donating blood and plasma through the Red Cross, which is no small gesture, especially when your closest donation center is hundreds of kilometres away.

Upon selling Sparwood Husky in 1994, he focused his business efforts on towing and bussing.  During their semi-retirement phase, Glen, along with Jeanette, spent time in their home in Laughlin, NV, where they made many friends through the local Lions Club. Eventually, they made their way further south and purchased a home in San Felipe, MX. They spent six to seven months there each year, making many more friends. They kept busy by selling Jeanette’s baked goods to raise funds for local charitable efforts, such as supporting local business owners to improve their revenue and assisting individuals facing insurmountable hardship. This truly was a joyful place for him and he was heartbroken when he was unable to return last fall.  

Glen’s thoughtfulness and get-things-done attitude will be remembered by the many people he so selflessly helped over the years, wherever he travelled to or called home.  He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Glen is survived by his wife, Jeanette (nee Bradshaw), daughters, Desiree Kuhnlein (Glen), Sarah Wong (Peter), and Rebeckah Leyden (Ron); and son Andrew Leyden (Caroline), as well as grandchildren, Bennett and Matthew Kuhnlein, Arabella and Grayson Wong, Madeline (Hunter) and Natalie Leyden and John, Emily and Milo Leyden; brothers, David Leyden (Joyce) and John Leyden (Anna); and very dear friends Mark and Manya Voykin and Rob and Kari Allardice. He also leaves behind brothers and sisters-in-law, Warren Bradshaw, Diane Bradshaw, Morgan Bradshaw, Jason Bradshaw (Susan), Lorrainne Ridley (Chris), Anne Bradshaw and Marissa Bradshaw; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Jamie Bradshaw (1968), Martin Bradshaw (2008), Karl Bradshaw (2022), Jeff Bradshaw (2023), and Glenn Bradshaw (2024). 

We will have two opportunities to mourn this loss and celebrate Glen’s life:

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Leyden’s service streamed live (link to follow) on the day of the service.

A Celebration of Glen’s Life will be held at the Sparwood Recreation Center (Curling Rink, 357 Pine Ave, Sparwood, BC) on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, the family kindly asks that you make a donation of money or time to a charity that is meaningful to you. If you feel led to honour one of the many meaningful causes to Glen, we know he’d love for you to support one of the following: Lions Clubs International www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate, Lions Foundation of Canadian Guide Dogs www.dogguides.com, Diabetes Canada, www.diabetes.ca, Canadian Blood Service, www.blood.ca, The Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.akaraisin.com, San Felipe Dog Rescue www.sanfelipedogrescue.org, or Volunteers Without limits www.volunteerswithoutlimits.org. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Glen’s family here.

In living memory of Glen Leyden, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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