Heaven gained a funny, beautiful soul on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Sammy Wayne L’Hirondelle.

Sam was born on April 18, 1961, in Lethbridge and raised by his loving parents, Bernard and Susan, in Grande Prairie. He loved his younger siblings, Sandy, Stacy, and Steven.

Growing up, Sam was known for his sense of humour and his love of a good practical joke, especially when his younger siblings and parents were involved. Whether it was sneaking Wagon Wheels from the pantry and blaming the cat or playing pranks on his unsuspecting siblings, Sam always seemed to find a way to keep everyone on their toes.

His mischievous spirit and playful nature became a cherished part of who he was, and there was rarely a dull moment when Sam was around. He was surrounded by a very large extended family, and this was where he got his profound sense of the importance of loved ones.

In adult life, he made his mama proud and joined the police force. It was where he ended up meeting his soon-to-be wife, Darlene Leslie, at a good driving check stop!

In 1985, Sam married Darlene, and he became the most wonderful stepfather to Amber, Tara, and Tom. He was the doting father who taught them how to play baseball and drove them to dance lessons, music lessons, and play rehearsals. He kept laughter going throughout the home. He also had a great sense of family and the importance of staying close with those he loved. He was always ready to help his large extended family because that was just who he was. He joined Darlene in chili cook-offs and volunteered for events like the Canada Winter Games when it came to town. We still don’t know how he managed to sit beside her at Tom’s football games, as she was the loudest fan there. Perhaps that’s why Sam was a bit hard of hearing later in life.

Sam was always the biggest softie when it came to children and animals. So, it was no surprise that when the grandchildren started to arrive, he was at his best. There was just something about him that made children feel at ease, and they were drawn to him. He had unique, special relationships with each of his grandchildren, as well as with his many nieces and nephews. It was this reason that they moved to Edmonton in 2004—they wanted to be closer to the grandchildren. In Edmonton, Sam easily made many new friends and “coffee buddies.” He wasn’t one to judge but just sat quietly and offered support or knowledge when needed, not to mention a laugh or two… or three! His kind friendship was always appreciated.

In 2017, Sam suddenly lost Darlene to a very brief illness, and his home no longer gave him comfort. So, he moved back to Grande Prairie to work full-time with his father and brother. He looked up to his dad and mom. He also had especially close relationships with his sister and brother. This helped him with his grief.

He then made a special bond with Rose Klingsell. She also helped him with his grief and became someone he could lean on. She shared many things in common with him, such as going for coffee with friends and having a love for animals. They had fun trips to BC and Jasper, to name a few. Sam also had special relationships with Rose’s children and grandchildren, which was no surprise. They were married in 2024.

In July of 2024, Sam received the news he had cancer and only six months left with us. However, with all the love of his friends and family and his loving wife Rose by his side, he gave us two more years. His favorite pastime became sitting with his dog Molly and his cats Tabitha and Smoky, and watching the Blue Jays or Oilers on TV. He knew sooner or later someone would show up with a coffee to visit. His dad Bernie was a favourite.

We had two more years of laughter, special moments, his bright smiles, and loving eyes. And with that, we all were very thankful. He will be missed as much as—and if not more than---he was loved. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all his friends for continuing to offer their friendship and support, especially during these past few years.

As Sam did not want a funeral, he will be cremated, and his family will hold a casual celebration of his life on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at his stepdaughter Lisa’s farm at 742069 Range Road 62, just north of Sexsmith, AB. Light refreshments will be served between 2:00pm and 4:00pm, while we share memories of the wonderful man Sam was.