Lorne Austin Davis

DAVIS - Lorne Austin Davis, an NHL scout for more than half of his life, died Thursday, December 20, 2007, surrounded by his family at the Regina General Hospital. He was 77. Lorne started assessing hockey players for the NHL's St. Louis Blues in 1967 and continued attending more than 200 games annually on four continents for 40 years. He loved watching hockey games, giving his opinions on prospective players and granting interviews to anybody who wanted to hear insightful, often humorous responses. After stints scouting for the Houston Aeros and New York Rangers, he joined the Edmonton Oilers in 1980, becoming a loyal employee to an appreciative, successful and understanding organization. During their string of Stanley Cup victories he convinced the Oilers to draft future stars Grant Fuhr, Kelly Buchberger and Ryan Smyth. Because of illness, Lorne missed the first assignment of his scouting career earlier this month. Before succumbing to cancer and cardiac arrest, Lorne was cared for with grace and dignity by the dedicated staff in the hospital's Surgical Intensive Care Unit. He was predeceased by his parents Gertie and Cecil and wife Shirley. Lorne is survived by companion Peggy Goodhue, sons Darrell (Eva) of Regina and Brad (Debbie) of Waterloo, Ont., daughter Liane (Dave) of Regina, granddaughter Delaney and grandsons Matthew, Jace, Austin and Tanner. Lorne was born July 20, 1930, in Lumsden and grew up in Regina, attending Scott Collegiate before playing junior hockey with the Regina Pats, with whom he scored "lots of big goals'' as they advanced to the 1950 Memorial Cup. Given an opportunity to pursue careers as a professional baseball or hockey player, he signed a contract with the New York Rangers and ultimately advanced to the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. He was with Montreal and Detroit when they won Stanley Cups in 1953 and 1955 respectively. He also played in other professional and senior leagues before joining the Canadian national team in the 1960s. He coached three teams the International Hockey League's Muskegon Zephyrs, his beloved Pats (1976-78) and, at the request of Father David Bauer, became a co-coach with the Canadian team that participated in the 1980 Olympics. He wore proudly around his neck an Olympic pendant and on his fingers Stanley Cup rings from the Oilers and Canadiens. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 27 from 6:00 9:00 pm and Friday, December 28 from 9:00 11:00 a.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. A private interment following Friday's visitation. Hockey fans, players, coaches and friends are invited to participate in a joyful tribute to Lorne's life on Friday, December 28, from 1:00 4:00 p.m. at Regina's Queensbury Centre. A short, formal program begins at 2:00 p.m. and everyone will be given an opportunity to share stories and memories, embellished, true or otherwise. Flowers are gratefully declined. Because of Lorne's long affiliation with the Regina Pats, donations can be directed to two charities supported by the WHL team _ Palliative Care Caring Hearts Camp for Kids, or Breast Cancer Action Saskatchewan. Donations can be sent to the Regina Pats Hockey Club, P.O. Box 104, Regina, SK, S4P 2Z5. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com