February 4th, 1948 – January 28th, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard Clarke Mutzeneek, known to most simply as Len, Dad, and Grandpa.

Len was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on February 4, 1948, the youngest of four children to Bill and Katherine Mutzeneek. He grew up in Darwell, Alberta, a place that always remained close to his heart. Darwell and the surrounding communities are still home to many family members whom Len and Shirley visited often. Len was predeceased by his parents, his brother Bill, and his sister Sandra.

In 1967, Len married the love of his life, Shirley. Together they built a life rooted in commitment, hard work, and love. In 1968 they welcomed their first son, James, followed by their second son, Lee, in 1970. Len is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Shirley; his sons James (Kim) Mutzeneek and Lee (Samantha) Mutzeneek; his sister Myrna (Ron) Johnson; and a large extended family of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and colleagues from all walks of life.

Most importantly—according to Dad himself—Len is survived by his five granddaughters: Katelyn, Nicole, Kara (Max), Megan, and Jenna. They were truly his world, and he made it clear they deserved top billing. On his final night, Len asked all the parents to leave the room so he could spend private time with his granddaughters. What was said will remain between them, but those who knew Len can be certain it was filled with praise, encouragement, and boundless love.

Throughout their marriage, Len and Shirley opened their home and hearts, fostering many children in need. Many of those relationships continued long after the foster years, including Andrew, Dallas, Dakota, Silas, and Derrick. This was simply who Len was—someone whose compassion was matched only by his belief in the potential of others.

Before his long career, Len held a few jobs, but his life’s work truly began in 1971 at Remington Tire. In 1974, when the owner sought to open a Calgary branch, Len stepped up without hesitation. Under his leadership, the Calgary branch grew into the largest tire distributor in Southern Alberta. Len dedicated 37 years to Remington Tire, building not only a successful operation but countless lifelong relationships. Many credited him with helping their businesses survive and thrive, and many former coworkers credited him with shaping their success in life. While there were a few who didn’t share his values—Len was clear they would know who they were—he never let bitterness define him.

When Remington Tire closed, Len was hired by the liquidation company to dismantle the very business he had helped build, a task he approached with professionalism and grace. He went on to oversee several more liquidations. During the final one, he met a young man named Mark. Seeing passion and potential, Len helped him secure employment after the sale—where, 15 years later, Mark continues to thrive. This was Len’s gift: seeing the best in people and helping chart their path forward. The many family members, friends, foster children, and others who came to say their final goodbyes bore witness to the lasting impact of his words, wisdom, and belief in them.

Len previously battled prostate cancer and won. In December 2024, he received news that cancer had overtaken his right kidney. Once again, we believed he would beat it—and in his own way, he did.

Over the final 13 months, Len received exceptional care from the remarkable professionals at the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre. He made it a point to know their names and stories, cherishing every interaction. When his journey shifted from cure to care, Len was welcomed into Southwood Hospice, where an extraordinary team of compassionate caregivers made his final days comfortable, meaningful, and even beautiful. In the mornings, his nurse sang to wake him, and on his last morning she sang “I Have a Dream”—the same song played at his mother’s funeral years earlier. It was a powerful and deeply touching moment.

At the end of his journey, Len was supported by the compassionate MAiD team, who met him with dignity, kindness, and respect. In Dad’s words—and in true Len fashion—cancer didn’t kill him. He, with the help of the MAiD team, killed the cancer.

Len will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, mentor, leader, and a man whose legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

Len requested no funeral or service. To honour his memory, it is your duty to make someone’s day better through your loving actions—and when enjoying a meal with loved ones, raise a glass to his memory.