Lorne Gemmell
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Lorne Gemmell, beloved husband of Ila, on Friday October 1, 2010. Lorne is lovingly remembered by his wife of 28 years, Ila, daughter Diana Scott (John), sons Rob (Cheryl), Don (Laurie), Dave (Barb), stepdaughters Bonnie Bachynsky, Pat Mitchell (Jim) and stepson Bob Williams (Becky), 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his first wife Pat (Jones) in 1981 and his sister Lorine Dobrescu in 2002.
Lorne was born May 21, 1928 at Hicock Farm at Wapella Saskatchewan and went to Hopehill School to Grade 7, Wapella School to Grade 10 and Central Collegiate in Moose Jaw where he graduated in 1946. He worked at the Swifts packing plant for 2 years and then joined the PFRA in June, 1946 where he spent a long and enjoyable career in Willow Bunch, Biggar and Weyburn Saskatchewan before putting down lasting roots in Morden starting in 1965. He made many lasting friendships, staying connected to friends and extended family across Western Canada. These connections were important to him and he looked forward to the many telephone conversations, letters and the reminiscing of great times past.
While the children were growing up, every summer was spent at the family cottage in Regina Beach, Saskatchewan, where many hours of competitive cribbage, fishing and horseshoes were played.
Following his retirement in September 1983, he and Ila enjoyed many years of travel and adventure together, often making spur of the moment decisions to hit the road to some new part of Canada or the United States, with no particular plan in mind when they left. An avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and golf, he could also be found at either the bowling alley or hockey rink in the winter or the baseball diamonds in the summer in whichever community he lived.
A celebration of his life was held on Tuesday October 5th at Wiebe’s Funeral Chapel in Morden, with interment to follow at a later date in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Memorial donations may be made to the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation Box 2000, Station Main, Winkler, MB, R6W 1H8.
