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LORNE WILLIAM MACPHERSON
Date of Passing: Sep 14, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLORNE WILLIAM MACPHERSON Lorne departed from this world quietly on the morning of Saturday, September 14, 2013. His kids Arne and Erika and his little dog Kiwi were with him. He was a kind and gentle soul and our lives will be diminished by his death. He had a very good but at times difficult life with a lot more mountains to climb than most, and he lived his life without complaint. His passing was a blessing for him given the last eight months but a sad day for those of us he left behind. We loved him and we will miss him. Lorne was born in 1936 in Grenfell, Saskatchewan to a farming family, the third youngest of eight siblings. He got his first pair of new shoes when he started school. Despite the hardships of the time his father John Archibald McPherson wanted his kids to be educated, and his mother Effie Minerva (nee Sim) instilled in them a love of literature. He met his lifelong companion Lillian when they were students at the University of Saskatchewan. After marrying, Lorne and Lillian moved around with their young family living in Regina, Seattle, Saskatoon and finally settling in Edmonton at 7870 Jasper Avenue. For the next thirty years, in what started as an old ramshackle house overlooking the river valley, they created an incredible life for themselves. It became a beautiful home. Lorne was a courageous and creative renovator. Their lives were filled: friends and family, the backyard skating rink, cross-country skiing, music of every kind (even sing-alongs), huge lemon stuffed arctic char barbecues, wine making, gardening and more gardening (Lorne had an incredible green thumb), hospitality. It was a home with an open door policy. Anyone was welcome anytime. Central to their lives was the dinner party. Their parties were frequent with diverse gatherings. They brought together people from the law school, the Icelandic community, Lillian's womens' group, Lorne's law partners, his film industry colleagues, and the strangers that were always welcomed. Lorne and Lillian were exceptionally generous people. It's true. And the alchemical combination of Lorne's adventurousness and his facility as a storyteller meant there was always laughter. He was playful. This was part of his magic. Lorne was a hard worker and wanted to provide opportunities for his kids that he never had. He put himself through law school in his late 30's by working summers on the oil-rigs in Tuktoyuktuk. But he also knew how to relax. He would sleep for hours in the hammock at the Bjarnason cabin at Katepwa Lake, a place where so many great times were had. He was an avid reader and history buff, he loved his cup of tea, cherished solitude and spent a lot of time in his sauna, which could never be too hot or too long. His love of movies led him to practice entertainment law, which ultimately led to his appointment as the first president of the Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation. From his office overlooking the Three Sisters mountain range in Canmore he played a huge role in developing the Alberta film industry. He loved being at the centre of the action: the traveling, the deals, the people, the festivals, especially Cannes. This work in the film industry also led him to meet the people who would open the door for what would become a spiritual anchor for him: the sweatlodge, the grandmothers and grandfathers, the Sundance. Lorne and Lillian made Winnipeg their last stop. He continued to produce television and film and consulted in the industry and was closer to his kids and grandkids who were everything to him. Their house on Chestnut Street was a warm and welcoming haven for Winnipeg friends and family, and to those passing through. He is predeceased by his wife Lillan Vilborg Bjarnason. He is survived by his son Arne (Deb Patterson), daughter Erika (Jacki Hagel) and grandchildren Gislina, Solmund and Eva. He treasured his siblings, Eileen, Tom, Archie, Vera, Inez, John and Robert who were there for him until the end. Thank you to the staff at Riverview Health Centre, Jocelyn House and Palliative home care for all that you do. In lieu of flowers or cards please make donations to Jocelyn House Hospice, 177 Egerton Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 2W7. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Sep 21, 2013
LORNE WILLIAM MACPHERSON On September 14, 2013 at the Riverview Health Centre, Lorne William MacPherson, husband of the late Lillian Vilborg MacPherson, passed away at the age of 77 years. Longer obituary will follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Sep 16, 2013
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2013
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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I worked closely with Lorne for a few years in the early part of this century. He was an incredibly thoughtful, honest, and genuine person. We made a journey to Italy together in 2005 for a film he was producing. It was a trip I still cherish in my mind. I think of him often, with fondness and admiration. He truly was one of the good guys. - Posted by: Richard Schlesinger (Colleague) on: Apr 10, 2015
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A great, kind man that will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Peter Lhotka () on: Oct 02, 2013
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We were away at the coast seeing friends when we heard the news of Lorne's death, so the drive home was full of shared memories of Lorne and Lilian and what they meant to Edmonton. First and foremost they were great friends who brought great warmth and laughter and reflection into our lives, but there was always so much more. Being in their wonderful home, one was always conscious of two individuals who were building a community and a culture which they were determined would be both worthy and distinctive. They were prairie people, with deep roots, transplanted to a province which never was sure of what it was or even what it should be. In so many ways they showed the way. To say they have been sorely missed doesn't do justice to what they meant to all of us here. Their work and their spirit is still to be found in so many places, in so many unexpected moments and memories. It's hard to think of western Canada without Lorne's mischievous smile and generous heart. - Posted by: Tom and Eva Radford (friends and colleagues) on: Sep 30, 2013
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Lorne and Lillian, truly an exceptional couple - warm, generous, open, caring, explorers of human nature. I still miss Lillian these many years later, and will now miss Lorne, too. My thoughts are with you, Arne and Erika, as you carry on the legacy of your privileged relationships with two marvelous parents. - Posted by: Margaret Shone (Friend) on: Sep 27, 2013
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Daryl and I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with Lorne and Lillian at their home in Edmonton and Canmore. Your dad and your mom were such warm, funny, generous people. So sorry for your loss, our love and thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Daryl & Jill (Metcalfe) Hooke (Friend) on: Sep 25, 2013
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I have such fond memories of time spent with Lillian and Lorne as they opened up their home and hearts to me when I first arrived in Edmonton. My thoughts are with you and your families, Arne and Erika. - Posted by: Nancy Metcalfe (Friend) on: Sep 24, 2013
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Our condolences to the family. May you find comfort in your memories and the support of your friends & family. - Posted by: Ted & Myra Collins (friends) on: Sep 22, 2013
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Lillian and I studied icelandic in Reykjavik 1997 - 1998. Lorne came to visit his wife and we had some great times together in Reykjavik and at our home in Rif at the Snæfellsnes peninsula. We also visited Lillian and Lorne year 2001 at their home in Winnipeg together with John Askelson. Lillian and Lorne were warm and open minded and we often think of them. - Posted by: Kristina Andersson () on: Sep 22, 2013
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In this time of great transition, I wish you all love, laughter and healing movement forward. May the only weight you carry forward be the wealth of memories, stories and revelations that comes with being a son, a family, the living intergenerational legacy and timeless mark of your Father's time here. All my love and respect to you and yours. Columpa. - Posted by: Columpa Bobb (Friend of Arne and Deb's) on: Sep 22, 2013
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Our love and deepest sympathy to Erika, Jackie and Eva, To you too Arne, Deb and your children, Our prayers are with you as you journey without Lorne. Keep the memories and good times alive, celebrating the lives of Lillian and Lorne. Love Norm and Wilma - Posted by: Norm & Wilma Hagel (Friends) on: Sep 21, 2013
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Arne and Erika and families. What a wonderful passage. It captures our memories of Lorne, and Lillian. What started out as a professional relationship as External Auditor of the Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation turned into a long lasting friendship. Although we did not see Lorne much after his departure from Edmonton, we was often in our thoughts. His passion for the Arts obviously had a great influence on Arne's and Erika's careers. Our deepest condolences. Morrie and Susan Draper - Posted by: Morris and Susan Draper (Friends, and former accounting and tax advisor) on: Sep 21, 2013
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I had the incredible good fortune to be invited to a few of Lorne and Lillian's dinner parties, and I will always cherish those memories. Lorne was absolutely one in a million - he was warm, intelligent, his gaze was so direct, and he was one of the best listeners I have ever known. A very rare man indeed. - Posted by: Colleen Tillotson (friend) on: Sep 21, 2013
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Lorne and Lillian were very kind to us when we arrived in Edmonton as young students around 1970. We were very lucky to be able to keep in touch with them after returning to Iceland. We will cherish their memory. - Posted by: Sigrún Helgadóttir (friend) on: Sep 21, 2013
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R.I.P. Lorne; A truly interesting and genuine human being. Lorne had great tolerance and understanding, progressive views, a dry sense of humour, and wide and diverse interests. A wonderful Canadian in every sense. - Posted by: Andy Sims (Friend) on: Sep 21, 2013
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The legacy a person leaves can be seen in their family if they are blessed to have them. Through knowing Arne I feel I have touched the legacy of this great family and great man. I know he will be missed and forever loved. But he will live on. - Posted by: Marion Hill (Friend of Arne) on: Sep 21, 2013
