It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Larry Werner, beloved husband of Joanne Werner, cherished father of Kathleena Rainer, and proud grandfather of Owen VanderEnde, Kaylee Werner, Savannah Rainer, and Michael Rainer, and loving little brother to his amazing big sisters Pat Roberts Stotts (Rick), Jan Roberts Carter and Dot Roberts Montal (Dewayne) from Tennessee, USA. Larry was predeceased by his sisters Cheryl Marie Werner of California, USA, and Kathy Ann Lanctot of Oklahoma, USA, as well as his mother Cherice Gallagher of Oklahoma, USA, his Dad Ronald Werner of Oklahoma, USA, his brother Gerald Werner of Oklahoma, USA and his biological Father David Roberts of Tennessee, USA.

Born on July 26, 1960, Larry passed away very unexpectedly after his daughter found him suffering from a medical emergency at his home on the evening of Thursday, May 28, 2026, after EMS began working on him the best they could, and transporting him to Innisfail Hospital, he was pronounced deceased at 23:57 with his daughter by his side. Larry will be remembered not only by his family, but also as a dear friend and mentor to many whose lives were touched by his kindness, guidance, and presence.

Larry lived and breathed all things firefighting, he spent many years in industrial firefighting before finding his passion in municipal firefighting, joining the Bowden Fire Department which in time became Red Deer County Station #7, and working his way up to the position of Fire Chief. He loved what he did, he took pride in his firefighters and the community that they served. After 28 years of service Larry retired from Red Deer County Station #7, he devoted all his time and passion for the fire industry into Wildcat Fire Services Inc. A wildland firefighting and structural protection company that he and his wife Joanne built together starting in 2005. Wildcat Fire Services was his pride and joy, saving multiple homes, businesses and critical infrastructure during catastrophic wildfires throughout western Canada, including BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. Wildcat was his dream, and his wife Joanne and daughter Kathleena will continue to keep his legacy alive to the best of their ability with the love, guidance and help of his staff, former staff, his extensive fire family, his friends and amazing contacts throughout the tight nit fire community. We are so eternally grateful for our huge fire family and the love and support they’ve shown. Firefighting truly is a brother/sisterhood that lasts a lifetime.

When Larry wasn’t in Alberta, he spent a lot of his time in Arizona with his wife Joanne and his completely devoted fur baby, Dakota at their home in Mesa spending time with his amazing friends, hoping on either his motorbike or his trike and riding thru the dessert, entering his trike in to car shows and winning multiple awards, and most recently driving transport for his friends NASCAR cars from race to race.

Larry dedicated his life to being an emergency first responder in industrial, municipal and wildland settings. It would have meant the world to him for you all to attend in the firefighter sendoff he deserves.

Thank you all for the impact you made on his life.

If desired memorial donations in Larry’s name may be made to the Alberta First Responders Association at www.ourafra.ca

A Memorial Service will be held at the CrossRoads Church, 38105 Range Road 275 Red Deer County, Alberta, on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a Reception to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 104, #1, 5108 – 49 Avenue, Innisfail, Alberta. We would like to request all those in emergency services who plan to be in attendance to please wear their uniforms so we can all show solidarity as a family.

Wildcat Fire Services Incorporated will continue to provide the services and dedication it always has.

Larry’s legacy will live on.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2026-06-21
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Innisfail) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.227.0006