It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the unexpected passing of Lyall Petrie in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on May 5, 2026, at the age of 79 years.

Lyall was born 20th May 1946 to Lyall and Mary Petrie on a farm near Crieff in Perthshire Scotland. He was the youngest of three children, sister Mary and brother John. Much of Lyall’s childhood was spent on various farms where his father was herdsman. His academic abilities and his upbringing surrounded by cattle led him to choose a course in veterinary medicine at the University of Glasgow from 1964 and 1969. After graduating he became a lecturer in the veterinary college while he finished his PhD. During his time at university, he shared accommodation with other students who became lifelong friends. He was best man for some of these friends and godfather to one of their children and has been there for many a milestone in all their families’ lives. Always Uncle Lyall to all the children. In 1985 Lyall accepted a position at WCVM in the Large Animal Clinic where he worked until his retirement in June 2014. During his tenure, Lyall took three sabbatical leaves: The Gambia (1993-94), Leipzig (2000-01) and Nottingham (2007-08). Throughout his time at the WCVM, Lyall was a mentor and friend to many large animal interns and residents who passed through the college as well as hundreds of veterinary students who greatly benefited from his vast veterinary knowledge! He was also well known and respected by many regular clients of the vet college. Lyall had a subtle sense of humor which was appreciated by all including the many technicians who loved working with him. 

Lyall was an avid runner of any distance competing in marathons in many parts of the world including Scotland, New Zealand, Germany, The Gambia and Canada. One of his favorite races was the Banff Jasper relay which he competed in several times with different teams often running multiple legs of the race. For many years he was a well-known athlete in the Saskatoon running community. 

Being Scottish, a favourite event for Lyall was meeting with a group of like-minded scotch drinking friends in Saskatoon.

Although never married Lyall was like a father to Kelly Ashburner mentoring him, coaching his soccer team, coaching him in cross-country running and helping Sue raise him for many years. His presence and influence helped mold Kelly into the adult he is today.

Lyall was predeceased by his father Lyall, his mother Mary, and his sister Mary Scott and sister-in-law Isabel. Lyall is survived by his brother John, nephews David, Brian and Allan Petrie as well as nieces Alison and Jane Scott and brother-in-law Tom.

Lyall’s legacy is one of profound mentorship and a veterinary career influencer. Another legacy that many friends teased him about, “an avid photocopier of scientific articles” for his work colleagues both current and retired to ensure they kept up to date on their veterinary knowledge!

Dr Petrie was a beloved son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, great uncle, honorary dad, cousin, esteemed colleague and a much-loved friend of many! It was a privilege to have known Lyall and to have benefited from his veterinary knowledge! He will be truly missed.

Lyall’s celebration of life will be held at 10am on June 4th, 2026 at the Martensville Funeral Home. Address: 591 Centennial Drive N, Martensville SK S0K 2T0

Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Lyall by following the link below.

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=ea3b0870-8b8d-423d-ae43-9a97e1b99b79

In lieu of flowers please donate to your charity of choice in Lyall’s memory

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Dr. Lyall Petrie's care and arrangements.