03/04/2026
Here’s Papas obituary and celebration of life party event date as well🤍
Forever Remembered ~ Earl Thomas Liddicoat
1944~2026, Lived 81 years
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Earl Liddicoat.
Earl was born on July 15, 1944, to Pearl and Charles Liddicoat in Drumheller, Alberta, where he grew up before moving to Hanna as a young adult. He was the baby in the family, having four older siblings: his brother Orville and sisters: Irene, Verna and Hazel. Earl became quite the comedian with a gifted sense of humour as a young kid. When asked a couple years ago about being a comedian, he said “well no one in the family was one and I figured I better pony up and be the funny one now, plus it made it easier to get out of trouble too.”
Earl moved out of his parent’s house at a young age, and on his own in this world, he would spend his days going to school, walking to McLeans to work after hours and spending a full day there where officially started his journey path as a tireman. He would head home afterwards nearing midnight to do his schoolwork, have a late supper and get his couple hours of sleep and repeated the schedule every single day till he graduated from high school in class of 1962.
He met the love of his life Gail Johnson one day while she was at a park in Drumheller and asked her if she would love to get a pop with him at the time and the rest was history. They got married on July 17,1965, two days after he turned 21 as that was the first Saturday of his legal age so he can sign for himself on the marriage certificate and get his liquor licence too. Soon after, they made their trek to Hanna, Alberta to continue his career path as a professional tireman, which further led the path of taking ownership and running Hanna Tire Service Ltd.
They were blessed with their first son Curtis Liddicoat in November 1966 and a few years later their second and last son Colin in August 1970. Earl truly blossomed when becoming a father and being the absolute best one there ever was. He and the boys became super involved in sports. Growing up, Earl was a goalie in hockey, back catcher in fast ball (he was actually approached to go play in the USA) and broom hockey. So, there was no thought for the young boys to follow in his footsteps too with baseball and hockey. It made for some very busy days and weekends travelling in the hockey bus driven by Gail and Earl. Also becoming the coach and later becoming presidents of both Hanna Minor Hockey and Hanna Minor Ball Association. They wouldn’t have wanted their busy active lives any other way.
Earl dedicated countless hours to volunteering within his community, offering not only his time but also his financial support. He was involved with many events and groups. He was a longtime member of the Hanna Elks Branch No.451, eventually rising through the ranks to serve as Exalted Ruler.
His true calling and favourite title of them all, came to be when his first grandson James was born and instantly got the name papa. Becoming a papa was one of his greatest joys and biggest blessings in life. Over the course of the next few years, he was blessed with three more grandkids: Mercedes, Brianna and Jacob. Earl and Gail were especially blessed with having Mercedes and Brianna live down the street from them throughout their childhood. Earl was the kind of papa who always included all the kids in fun activities, like go-karting in Drumheller during Michichi camping trips, finishing with a pit stop at DQ. Earl may have learned there’s no such word as “no” to the grandchildren. He always said yes, no matter what the idea, thought or adventure it may be. (Even if it was taking one of the grandchildren out fishing with their Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fishing rod with absolutely zero experience.)
As he grew older, he could often be found relaxing in his rocking chair in his man cave, watching Calgary Flames or Toronto Blue Jays games. Although there was sometimes yelling and hollering down there, the memories made in that room with friends and loved ones were among his happiest times.
Earl was able to come back and spend the last of his days here in Hanna’s Long Term after spending a few weeks in Drumheller Long Term Care. He was able to pass in the most perfect and peaceful way with his family by his side, the sports channel on Sunday March 1,2026, at 81 years of age. This is exactly how he would have wanted it, and we cherish that memory.
Earl is survived by his loving wife Gail Liddicoat of 60 years; sons Curtis and Colin (Raelene) Liddicoat; grandchildren: James, Mercedes (Ben) Liddicoat, Brianna Liddicoat, and Jacob Liddicoat; many nieces and nephews; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
He is predeceased by his parents Charles and Pearl Liddicoat and all of his siblings: Orville Liddicoat, Irene Duncan, Verna Barabe, Hazel Harrison.
We sincerely thank all the staff at Hanna Hospital for treating us with exceptional care and warmth, making us feel like part of their family. Our gratitude also extends to the teams at Drumheller’s Long Term Care and Hanna’s Long Term Care. We are especially grateful to our wonderful customers, family members, and friends for their support and kindness throughout Earl's final years. Your love and encouragement meant the world to us. We cannot adequately express our appreciation for everything you have done for us. Thank you.
Here’s to you Earl. May you rest easy now. Cheers to an incredible life.
A Come & Go Gathering will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hanna Legion. We invite you to join us in celebrating Earl's life by visiting and sharing your memories; please note that there will be no formal program.
In lieu of flowers and if desired, donations in Earl’s memory can be made directly to Harvest Sky Animal Rescue, Box 2126, or to the Hanna Food Bank, Box 1613, Hanna, AB, T0J 1P0.
Hanna Funeral Services was entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.
