Obituary of Lorne West
On Tuesday, April 24, 2012, after an active, generous and inspirational life.
Lorne was the devoted husband, for 60 years, of Orma (nee Wilcox), who predeceased him in 2007. Father of Don West and Mary Wright, and father-in-law to Sharon West and David Wright. Very proud grandfather of Jeff (Michelle), Lindsay and Andrew Wright, and Taylor, Colin and Clark West.
Lorne West was born almost 100 years ago on a farm near Gilford, Ontario. He was the son of Paul and Mary West, and younger brother to the late Alma Coburn.
Lorne attended the one room school house in Gilford and then Bradford High School. He played lacrosse, hockey and baseball. Through his twenties, Lorne was an OPP Officer. When the War broke out, he joined the RCAF as a navigator and flight lieutenant. He was posted overseas and flew many combat missions as part of Bomber Command, including during the Canadian landing on D Day. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Lorne and Orma married after the War and had their honeymoon in Port Carling, Muskoka. They raised their children in Leaside and at Lake Simcoe, and then built a cottage on Lake Muskoka - just down the shore from Port Carling. They became actively involved in their community and in a number of service organizations. In Toronto, and back home in Simcoe County, they had a multitude of wonderful friends.
Mom taught school and Dad had a long and successful career in the automotive wholesale business, becoming VP and Canadian Manager of Garage Supply and Auto Electric. Then, in his sixties, instead of retiring, he embarked on a new career for 20 years as an industrial realtor with LePage, Yorklea Realty and CBRE, and went back to school to study the industry.
Lorne - Dad - Grandpa had a long, full and happy life. He was a farm boy, athlete, motorcycle cop, airman, business executive, Elder of Leaside United Church, President of Leaside Rotary, a Mason, member of the Leaside Curling Club, bridge player, gardener, superb carpenter, genealogist, hockey fan and analyst. He was constantly planning his next building project (while finishing three) and in his nineties embraced the computer world, taking numerous courses. A few years ago, Lorne was recognized as "environmentalist of the year" by Simcoe County Conservation Authority after planting 16,000 trees. He had a wonderful sense of humour. He loved dogs. And to his final day, he was an eternal optimist.
More than anything, Grandpa cherished his family and loved cheering on his grandchildren in their sports and supporting them over the years in their schooling and careers. Encouraging young sprouts to grow tall. His kind and generous spirit will always be a huge part of our lives.
For all their dedicated and caring support, we wish to thank Dad's housekeeper and friend, Cita Ortiz, Dad's long-time GP, Dr. Doug Goodall, Dr. Chris Morgan, the compassionate Dr. Elena Elimova and Dr. Paolo Mazzotta, and all the staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
A private funeral will be held. A public memorial service celebrating Lorne's life will be held in LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH, 822 Millwood Road, Toronto on Monday, May 14 at 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception at The Estates of Sunnybrook, Vaughan Estate, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto.
In memory of Lorne, those wishing to do so could make a charitable donation to Leaside United Church (M4G 1W4) or to The Lorne and Orma West Fund, which is a part of the Toronto Community Foundation, 33 Bloor East, Toronto M4W 3H1. The Fund will be applied to support charitable causes selected by Lorne's grandchildren annually. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
