Growing up in rural Alberta, Lyle Litzenberger learned early on the benefits of a life lived in small, close-knit communities. That appreciation never left him, even though much of his adult life had been spent living and working in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland metropolitan area. For more than three decades, Lyle had resided on the slopes of Burke Mountain in Northeast Coquitlam, where he developed an appreciation for Burke that brought him back to his earliest years. After retiring from a career in the R.C.M.P., Lyle continued to call Northeast Coquitlam his home for several more years. It was there that he began, in earnest, his explorations of Burke Mountain and the Widgeon, becoming familiar with the area’s many trails and scenic gems. In 2013, Lyle published his first book, the popular guidebook Burke and Widgeon – A Hiker’s Guide (about which more details can be obtained at burkeandwidgeon.com ). The writing of that hiking guidebook for Burke and Widgeon became the genesis of this history book.

In more recent years, he and his wife, Melissa, began pursuing their passion—a love for travelling. Their lifestyle has allowed them to travel throughout much of North America and beyond. All the while, Lyle has been able to continue gathering details about Burke and Widgeon’s captivating history. His extensive research meant that the material gathered had to be split into three volumes. Burke and Widgeon – A History (Volume One) was published in 2019 and is available for sale.  Volume Two is soon to be published, and Lyle is turning his focus on the research and writing of the final volume of this three-volume set.

Lyle is also committed to ultimately donating his multi-year research to the appropriate local archives for the benefit of future generations.