LORNE MacDONALD

1943 - 2025

LORNE MacDONALD
It is with the deepest sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of Lorne on March 2, 2025. Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

If you knew Lorne you loved him. Relationships were everything. He was a magnet that drew people to him. He put everyone's needs before his own. His overwhelming kindness was limitless. He gave you things before you even realized you needed them. He had the biggest heart and no kinder man existed. The void left in his absence can never be filled.

He was larger than life … and we're not just talking about his hands and his feet!

He loved to entertain and always had a story to tell. The material was not always appropriate and is probably the source of mom's gray hair. His smile was infectious and at times mischievous.

Lorne was born in Port Arthur to Theodosia (Kathleen) and Hugh on February 7, 1943. He took great delight in the fact that he and his twin sister Lorna held the record for being the largest twins born at Port Arthur General Hospital.

Growing up in a family with 6 siblings, whether it was Ambrose Street or the family camp at Green Bay, mischief was never far away.

Lorne joined the army when he was 19, intent on learning a trade. He started his basic training in Gagetown, NB and served 3 years in the Black Watch Regiment. Two years were spent in Werl, Germany and prior to his discharge he held the final rank of Lance Corporal.

Upon his arrival back to Canada, he was hired by Abitibi Woods Division as a heavy-duty mechanic where he served a 3-year apprenticeship. In July 1965 Lorne met Pam and their 60-year love affair began. She fell madly in love and always says dad swept her off her feet. The result of this loving romance is daughter Laurie and son Sean.

In the early 70s dad left Abitibi and started his career with Timberjack, starting as a heavy-duty mechanic and eventually moving into sales. He excelled in sales and received numerous awards over the next 40 years until his retirement.

Dad loved to fish and was incredibly athletic. He swam 5 days/week well into his late 70s until Covid turned the world upside down. Although not actively involved in recent years, he was a Mason for 50 plus years following in his dad and older brother Donnie's footsteps. He was the ultimate putterer and loved spending time in his man cave creating and fabricating.

Dad's absence will be palpable. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Pamela, daughter Laurie (Brian) and son Sean (Angie).

Survived by his sister Margaret, twin sister Lorna, brothers Angus and Gordon. Uncle and great uncle to nieces and nephews too numerous to name and friendships too great to quantify.

Predeceased by his parents, brothers Donald and Ken, in-laws Harry and Kay Robinson, Ron and Pat Friday, Pat and David Hogan and son-in-law Ward Abbott.

We wish to thank Dr. Allison for 40 plus years of dedicated care. In addition, we thank the staff at TBRHSC particularly the doctors and nurses in ICU and Oncology for their kindness and compassion.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Harbourview Funeral Centre starting at 10:00 am. It will be live streamed for those unable to attend. Honorary pallbearers are Angus MacDonald, Lorna MacDonald, Gordon MacDonald, Brian Wolfe, Brian Newman, Jon Friday, Doug Arthur, Luc Pradal, Frank DeMichele, Sue Sidlar and Wayne Goldberg.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to TBRHSC, TBRHSC Cardio/Respiratory Service, TBRHSC Lung DAP or the Canadian Lung Association.


Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca