SIGURDUR LORNE MARTIN

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SIGURDUR LORNE MARTIN December 9, 1951 August 21, 2011 Lorne has left to join that little living room orchestra in the sky. Peacefully, with his precious soul-mate Maggie by his side...a handful of his closest family and friends nearby....and the brilliant Sunday afternoon sunshine beating down on St. Boniface Hospital, Lorne Martin passed away after a devastatingly sudden and fatal illness. Left behind to cherish the memory of their 37 wonderful years together is his loving wife, Maggie. He is also survived by brother Ted and wife Sandy; sister-in-law Gwen and husband Rolly; brother-in-law Bert and wife Carol; nieces, Tracy (Cam) and Tiory (Kelly); nephew Michael (Kim) and a next generation of admirers named Kolton, Avery and Cruz. Lorne was predeceased by his parents, Siggi and Steina Martin, as well as a special uncle, Einar, and his parents-in-law, Gordon and Ivy Simpkin. Born at the Gimli Hospital, raised in Husavik, schooled at Kjarna and Gimli High...Lorne was proud of his Icelandic heritage and his roots. Following high school, he attended the University of Manitoba, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree and followed that up with his MBA, while already gainfully employed. And all along the way, he never hesitated for a second to correct peoples' pronunciation of Gimli or Islendingadagurinn. His entire professional life was centered around agriculture reflective of his immense love of the land. He was employed by Simplot Chemicals, TD Bank and for the past 24 years, with the Province of Manitoba - Department of Agriculture. He retired on April 1 from his position as Assistant Deputy Minister Policy and Knowledge Management division of M.A.F.R.I. (Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Research Initiative) a position he undertook with pride and tireless dedication for seven years. His mission, always, was to make a difference in his field and there will never be any doubt that he did! For someone who was diagnosed in 1989 with a problematic heart valve, he defied all odds and went on to demonstrate that he had the biggest heart of all. Lorne loved everyone and everyone loved Lorne. His positive, upbeat attitude was an inspiration for all as was his fiercely competitive nature, which he could immediately leave on the shinny surface, the pebble or the crokinole board...and then belly up for a beer or three. It was there that we would be treated to the vast cache of expressions that have become Lorne language. Lorne's approach to life was all about being active, and he loved a lot of things: curling, golf, downhill skiing, carpentry, lawn and garden, walking the long and winding lake Winnipeg shoreline at Arnes, reading (especially album and CD liners) and annual vacations always with a guitar, mandolin or ukulele in hand (or all of the above if Maggie wasn't counting). Yes...Lorne loved people... and the land... and his job...and being active. But, make no mistake. More than all that...he loved music! His fascination with music began at a very young age, banging on the drums, with his mom on piano...his dad and brother Ted playing guitar in the living room of their home. As the years passed, he polished his drumming skills playing with the Sigurdsons in Arnes. He eventually learned the guitar and the band era would evolve...starting in university where he played with Somebody's Mother. He then revisited his rural roots, and more bands would evolve on his horizon: Retreat, Cool Water and the Gators....as well as numerous guest appearances over the years with Fine Country Folk and the Musical Mates. For Lorne, music was more than a passion. It was an obsession. There are CD and music stores that he should own shares in. He could never get enough music, and he was fabulous at sharing his vast enthusiasm and knowledge with people of every age range. He became a mentor and a gifted writer. On so many special occasions when most people would bring a card - Lorne would write and perform a song, and present the words in a frame. Through his musical accomplishments, he became the friend of hundreds and the undisputed, adopted son of the community of Riverton, because of the integral role he played in so many Hootenannies and tribute shows. But deep inside the broader musical picture, Lorne had a tight circle of very close friends, who are still reeling from the loss of one of the bro's. The title song he wrote for the Reunion album in 1980 a testament to his writing skills and his respect for the music of his peers is now more special than ever. His musical vision also extended to the workplace. He is regarded throughout federal-provincial agriculture circles as the negotiator, debater and orchestrator of post-meeting jam sessions which are legendary...and perhaps, in some small way, a reason for his Motivator of the Year award several years back. Lorne was also the recent recipient of a surprise party to commemorate the sixtieth birthday year for him and four close friends. It was an emotionally-charged evening at a classic, old country hall...and it now means more to everyone, because Lorne got to celebrate his milestone year with a throng of friends, family and musical buddies. We'll do it again on December 9, old friend. Lorne and Maggie lived a life of enjoyment. Their constant smiles brought a sense of good times everywhere they travelled. They functioned as one. They could have been the role model for love and happiness. Through the years, they lived in Brandon, Morris and Winnipeg...where they left a footprint and made cherished friendships, which they never allowed to slip away. This included a remarkable string of special relationships with kids of the next generation all of their adopted kids, who Lorne absolutely adored. In 1996 they found their dream property on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Arnes. Fittingly, it turned out to be the property that was originally homesteaded by his family ancestors. He was fiercely proud of that and promptly erected the Gamla Arnes sign. It was there, that they would build their dream home, he would meticulously build his dream recording studio and they were on the cusp of beginning a dream retirement...when the unthinkable would happen. A memorial service to celebrate Lorne's life and his love of music will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2:00 p.m., at the Lakeview Resort, 10 Centre Street, Gimli, MB. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli, in care of arrangements (1-800-230-6482). Donations may be made in Lorne's name to The St. Boniface Hospital Foundation Cardiology Trust Fund, Room D-103, 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. Maggie wishes to thank Dr. Cordova and the ICU staff at St. Boniface. for all they did to try and save her precious Lorne. It's another beautiful day in paradise.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2011