It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to Bryan Douglas Dilts, our beloved husband, father, poppa, brother, and friend. Bryan passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bryan was born in Welland, Ontario. After making his way to Alberta in the 1970s, he met and married the love of his life, Dixie, in 1986. Soon after, they welcomed their son, Thayne, followed by their daughter, Sarah.  Bryan is lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Dixie; his son, Thayne (Falin, Emburley, Brexton, Brielle, Jaycelyn, and Trace); his daughter, Sarah (Mark and Isla); his sister, Dianne (John); and many nieces and nephews—especially Jan and Blaise, who held a very special place in his heart.

Bryan loved cheering on Thayne and Sarah in their many sporting activities and was always willing to step in as a coach whenever needed.

Although travel was never really “in the plans,” it became an important part of his life. He enjoyed baseball trips with Thayne to many Major League stadiums to cheer on his beloved Blue Jays, as well as many trips with Sarah following the Jays. He also travelled to France, Belgium, Majorca, and Scotland to visit Sarah during her travels, and later to Pennsylvania, Arizona, Mexico for Thayne and Falin’s wedding, Portugal, and Newfoundland.

Bryan had a deep love for all animals, even the deer that wandered the “back forty” and helped themselves to the plants. He will be lovingly remembered for his quiet sense of humour, his willingness to chat with anyone about just about anything – especially over the fence with the neighbours—and for somehow knowing the names of every dog at the dog park.

Bryan dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Lacombe Research Centre. During his career, he was honoured to co-author several scientific papers with Gord Greer—a respected colleague, dear friend, and best man at his wedding.

Bryan’s kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In following with Bryan’s wishes, no funeral will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Old MacDonald Kennels, RR 1 Site 7 Box 12, Ponoka AB T4J 1R1 or The Lending Cupboard Society,  1, 7803 – 50 Ave. Red Deer  AB  T4P 1M8.

Condolences to Bryan’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Bryan Dilts” in the subject line.

 Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned and operated cremation and

funeral provider serving Red Deer and Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2026-08-05
• Location : MEANINGFUL MEMORIALS FUNERAL SERVICE Red Deer AB "Locally Owned and Operated"