LORNE HEHN

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LORNE HEHN Lorne Frederick John Hehn of Saskatoon passed away peacefully on September 16, 2015, at the age of 79. Alongside his twin sister Loreen, Lorne was born in Markinch, Saskatchewan in 1936 to parents Fred and Bertha Hehn, who were farmers in Markinch, Saskatchewan. He and Loreen were the youngest of four children, and he was the only son. Lorne studied Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, and upon graduation, he returned to run the family farm. During his time at the University, he met and fell in love with Beth Smoothy. They were married in 1962, had two children, Jeff and Pam, and they built their life on the family farm. Lorne was very active in the farming community, becoming involved in farm policy in 1967, and serving on the Board of Directors of UGG from 1970 until 1981. He took an active interest in agricultural innovation and often invited institutions to use his land to do collaborative research. In 1981, he was elected to the President position of United Grain Growers, and moved from his family farm to Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1990, he left that post to become the chief commissioner of the Canadian Wheat Board, where he was instrumental in advocating for reform on behalf of farmers. He also served on the Executive Board of Directors for the Royal Bank of Canada, the Saskatchewan Potash Corporation, and Lutheran Life. He had the strength of character and conviction to speak his mind in order to effect change on behalf of those whom he represented. Lorne is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Beth; his son Jeff Hehn and wife Sarah of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and daughter Pam Hehn Schroeder and husband Darvin of Frisco, Texas; and his older sisters, Helen Kroszer of Markinch, Saskatchewan and Vi Drummond of Brandon, Manitoba. He has three grandchildren, Carson, Christian and Harrison Schroeder, all of Frisco, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister Loreen Irwin, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Lorne loved to golf, he enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, and boating, and he loved to travel with Beth in their motor home. He also loved to curl, and he and Beth traveled often to watch the Canadian teams in the various curling championships. Lorne's time at the Canadian Wheat Board involved extensive travel around the world; he truly enjoyed visiting other countries and he was curious and excited to explore other cultures. However, he was a farmer at heart, and was always the happiest when he was "working on the land". Lorne had a full life, married to the love of his life for over 50 years, with children whom he loved deeply. He was an important figure in Canadian agriculture, a business man who always placed the needs of farmers first and foremost in his decisions and actions. He was a man of high integrity, and was respected by many. He will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the hall in Markinch, Saskatchewan, with refreshments to follow. Arrangements in care of Wally Markewich MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (306) 978-5200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2015