LASSITER, Robert “Rob” 

Lassiter,Robert “Rob” 

1958 – 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Dale Lassiter on January 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. 

Rob was born in 1958 at the Bassano Hospital to Robert Stanley and Ruth Lassiter (Meidinger). He grew up in Bassano alongside his siblings building deep roots in the community that would remain home for his entire life. 

Rob attended school in Bassano and graduated in 1976. A gifted athlete, he excelled in hockey, curling, swimming, baseball and golf, and was known for his dedication, competitiveness, and love of sport. He played hockey throughout his youth and into adulthood, beginning with minor hockey in Bassano and continuing through to Junior B with the Brooks Tubers and Lakeside Spurs. In 1977, Robert attended Camrose Lutheran College on a hockey scholarship and then played Jr. A Tier 1 for Calgary Wranglers (now called Calgary Hitman). He went on to play senior hockey with the L.K Royals, where he was known for his strong presence on the ice and leadership.

His love for the game extended beyond playing. Rob coached minor hockey in Bassano for 27 years. He was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the arena. He believed deeply in giving back and quietly did so whenever he saw the need. 

In 1980, Rob chose farming as his life’s work, alongside his father and brothers. He was deeply proud of the farming life and built a business rooted in hard work and integrity. Rob later expanded into purebred Red Angus cattle, co-founding Triple X Red Angus. Where it earned respect across Western Canada. 

Robert married Cheryl (Massie) on October 9, 1982. Together they moved out to the Makepeace farm where they built a beautiful life together and raised their family. Rob was a devoted husband and father, always so proud of his boys, Payden, born in 1988 and Clayton, born in 1990. 

In his later years, Rob was especially proud of his role as Papa. He always gave them the best advice and the warmest hugs. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, attending their games and cheering them on. He loved taking them in the tractor to feed cows, in the semi-truck during harvests, boating on the lake or fishing off the docks at Crawling Valley. 

Rob was deeply committed to his community. He served on numerous boards and committees including the Alberta Wheat Pool advisory committee, Bassano Gas Coop for over 42 years and Crawling Valley Campground for 21 years. 

Crawling Valley held a special place in his heart. Each summer, it was his place to relax and kick off his farming boots. He was able to slow down and create lasting memories with his family – boating on the lake, fishing, campfires, and peaceful nights under the stars. Rob will be remembered for his work ethic, loyalty, leadership, commitment to his community and most of all unwavering love for his family. He was a man who showed up- for his family, his teams, his farm, and his town.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Cheryl; his children, Payden (Christy) and their children, Rayne, Loki and Wrennyn; Clayton (Jennica) and their children, Penelope and Clarke. His siblings, Barry (Leslie Hannah), Connie (Greg Long), Kent (Nancy), Brenda (Randy Johnson), and Darrel (Carrie), Kerry (Milly), Daryl (Donna), Patty (Ian); mother-in-law, Joyce Massie; and so many extended family members, friends, and community members. 

Robert was predeceased by his loving parents, Stan and Ruth; his grandparents, Albert and Rosina, Oscar Bruce and Mary Alice.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Joesph’s Hospice and Grace Memorial for their compassion care and kindness. 

We will have a private Celebration of Life for Robert at a later date. 

Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com.