LORNE S. CHERNESKI

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LORNE S. CHERNESKI Husband, father, educator, musician, outdoorsman, knowledge-seeker and son of the soil. Born April 4, 1932; died November 23, 2011, age 79. Third and youngest son of parents Sabine and Clara, Lorne was born in the family farmhouse near Goodeve, SK. He attended the local Robert school and St. Joseph's College in Yorkton. He excelled in language, history, and music, and was awarded a Governor General's medal in English. Lorne completed Teacher's College in Moose Jaw and a B.Ed degree in cross-cultural education from the University of Saskatchewan. Lorne was an educator. Through 31 years in Balcarres, Lemberg, Warman, Oxford House, Guy Hill, Easterville, Mafeking and Swan River, Lorne worked as teacher and principal in rural one-room schoolhouses, residential and reserve schools, and public elementary and secondary schools. He had a positive impact on hundreds of students across many generations and cultures. Lorne was a musician. He developed a passion for music early in life, played guitar in the college orchestra then taught himself to play the Hawaiian steel guitar. As a young man, he played professionally with several bands. Music led him to the love of his life Ruth Olynyk, whom he met in Winnipeg while playing at a dance. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 47 years. In retirement, they started a band, Northwest Country, and played locally and away. A highlight was playing in Hawaii and meeting Lorne's mentor, the legendary steel guitarist Gerry Byrd. Lorne was passionate about learning and knowledge, particularly English and History. He studied Latin, was fluent in Ukrainian, and learned Cree while in northern Manitoba. He was an avid reader, maintained an extensive library, and always had a book or two on the go. He was well-read on many subjects and loved to debate. Lorne was also community-minded and supported church, Ukrainian culture, and service organizations. Lorne maintained a life-long connection to the family farm and to nature. He enjoyed working the land and faithfully maintained the homestead. He shared his love of the land and nature with his family. He reveled in the great outdoors and there were many hunting, fishing, and camping trips. As an educator he was active in Project Wild and science projects. In retirement, he and Ruth were gardeners and bird watchers. Lorne maintained his inquiring spirit and love of reading and music until the end. With family by his side, Lorne passed away peacefully at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina after a long struggle with Parkinson's. Cherishing his memory are his loving wife Ruth; sons Patrick and Derek (Kim) of Regina; brother Sir Russell (and Lady Julie) of Edmonton; and many extended family and friends. Lorne was predeceased by his parents, and eldest brother Morris. Lorne will be cremated and a Memorial Service will be held at Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow. The family thanks the many doctors and nurses, and family and friends for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lorne may be made to the University of Saskatchewan English or History Departments in care of University Advancement, 121 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1K2. Family and friends are invited to sign the online obituary and tributes page at www.regina-memorial.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home (306) 789-8850.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2011