Lorne passed away on November 20, 2007 at Chilliwack Hospital at 78 years. Born June 11, 1929 at Vancouver, B C.
Lorne is survived by his spouse, Iris; children: Shannon, Blair, Lane (Mary Anne), Dane (Anila), Chris (Amanda) and Regan (Colleen); grandchildren:Aaron, Mathew, Melissa, Jessica, Rachel, Joshua, Mitchell, Tanner, Laura and Rebecca; brother: Clarke (Elizabeth); sister: Gloria and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Lorne Robert and mother, Doris Noella Gehman.
Lorne was raised and educated in Vancouver, to Grade 12 until 1948, when he joined the family at Green Trees Guest Farm in Columbia Valley. The family had purchased the acreage in 1935. Lorne helped his father, Lorne Sr., build the farmhouse which was run as a guest farm during the early 50’s. It was well-known for its hospitality and Sunday chicken dinners. Lorne helped with the operation of the farm and was to use the skills learned during those years throughout his life.
Lorne completed his senior matriculation at Chilliwack Senior Secondary School and went to work for BC Provincial Parks in Cultus Lake.
Lorne and his father worked on the crew that built the first 56 campsites at Cultus Lake. He was also a lifeguard at Maple Bay.
Lorne met his wife-to-be, Iris Peel, at the Cultus Lake Roller Rink in the summer of 1951 and they married in September of 1952.
Lorne and Iris purchased a house at Cultus Lake and lived there until their expanding family outgrew the lake house. They then moved to Chilliwack and remained there for the remainder of his life.
Lorne worked for the BC Telephone Co. in the Chilliwack Central Office for 29 years. Lorne and Iris owned and operated Loris Interiors, in the 1970’s. Retiring in 1984 at age 55, Lorne took the janitorial contract for Sunnyside Campground and Main Beach for several summers. Throughout the 90’s, Lorne and Iris owned and operated Charterre Bed and Breakfast in Chilliwack.
Lorne was a kind and loving man who always put his family first. He was very active in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He coached soccer for three of his sons in the 70’s and was always cheering his kids from the sidelines, whatever the event.
Lorne always loved cars, trains, planes and ships. In later years, he took up collecting model trains and spent many hours, with his grandchildren, building track and scenery.
As a husband, dad, grandpa and best friend, he was always there when we needed him. He was our biggest fan. Loved so much by family and friends, Lorne will be sadly missed.
If so desired, donations to the BC Cancer Foundation or to the Canadian Red Cross would be appreciated.
Memorial service will be held on December 2, 2007 at 3:00 pm from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 6300 Tyson Rd. Sardis.
Many thanks to the nurses and staff on NU # 3 Chilliwack General Hospital for their care and support. Also many thanks to Fraser Valley Home Support.