LORNE MAURICE EVANS

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LORNE MAURICE EVANS September 24, 1930 - October 6, 2018 At age 50, with his first grandchild on the way, Lorne thought "Grandpa" sounded too old. So, with his characteristic affection for a little "the devil made me do it", he dubbed himself "Ace", a name that will forever hold a precious place in the hearts of his grandchildren, Kristin (Colin Stange), Erik (Amanda), Sarah Gagne (Ray), Alex Morton, Andrew (Hilary Hagerman), Nikki (Brett Cameron), Stephen (Erin Kiazyk), Danielle (Benjamin Luff), Daria and Lisa; and for his great-grandchildren, Joshua Gagne, Theo and Marley Evans, and Juno and Milo Stange. He was simply "Dad" to his loving children, Kevin (Ronnaug), David (Susan Kagan), Michael (Brenda), Mary Morton (Jeffrey), and Bruce (Brenda), and to Martha (nee Michener), the love of his life, he was "Lorne", except when she really wanted his attention, and it would be "Lorne Maurice Francis Patrick Evans". Lorne was born in Quebec City, grew up in Montreal, and was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Evelyn, and brother Mervyn. He travelled to Winnipeg with the Canadian Armed Forces as a young officer in 1952. He settled there, he liked to say with his trademark twinkle, because it was home to the most beautiful girls in Canada. But there was only one who captivated him the way Martha did as his wife and life partner for nearly 66 years. Family was the core of Lorne's life. It is a legacy gift cherished by the three generations following his path as Lorne's love of family lives on in those who knew his hugs and quiet pride in each of them. His life values and abiding respect for all flowed from his Christian faith, earning him a lifetime membership in the Knights of Columbus. He also served as parish council chair at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, as a driver for Meals on Wheels, and at West Park Manor Personal Care Home. Lorne's faith nourished his will to be of service to others. Soon after his discharge from the armed forces at the rank of captain, Lorne worked in sales and development for Winnipeg Supply and The Hudson's Bay Company where he rose to manage the toy department, a fantasy come true for his children. But it was the construction industry that defined his career and where he earned a reputation for unwavering honesty and integrity. He served as a senior executive at PermaStructures, F.W. Sawatzky and FWS, where he retired as company president and CEO. In that roll, in 1989, his entrepreneurial spirit beckoned him to Moscow as the Soviet Union began to collapse, presenting some high-risk opportunities to leverage Canadian building methods. Many attributed his business success to Lorne's way with people: his genuine interest and curiosity in their lives, his easy laugh, his word as his bond. In recent years, living with Martha at The Wellington Retirement Community, nothing would delight Lorne more than bringing a smile or laugh to everyone he encountered. Lorne and Martha loved to travel and did so with gusto in their retirement years: winter months in Australia and Arizona, numerous cruises and explorations. Seldom one to sit still, he took up woodworking when his grandchildren were of an age where his toy and dollhouse-making lit them up with delight. He loved to read, to fish, and throughout his life (sometimes heated) family discussions on a myriad of topics were a staple around the dinner table. Every Friday, Lorne enjoyed lunch with his "LEOS" buddies, where laughter and friendly kibbitzing were always on the menu. Lorne would often reflect that he was blessed to have lived the life he lived. He taught those who loved him that you create opportunities by how you live your life. He lived well, and we are equally blessed for it. Lorne's funeral mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 12, 2018. Msgr. M. Comeault presided. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Lorne's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Brightwater Senior Living for the care they provided for the past several months. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 13, 2018

LORNE MAURICE EVANS 1930 2018 At age 50, with his first grandchild on the way, Lorne thought "Grandpa" sounded too old. So, with his characteristic affection for a little "the devil made me do it", he dubbed himself "Ace", a name that will forever hold a precious place in the hearts of his grand-children, Kristin (Colin Stange), Erik (Amanda), Sarah Gagne (Ray), Alex Morton, Andrew (Hilary Hagerman), Nikki (Brett Cameron), Stephen (Erin Kiazyk), Danielle (Benjamin Luff), Daria and Lisa; and for his great-grandchildren, Joshua Gagne, Theo and Marley Evans, and Juno and Milo Stange. He was simply "Dad" to his loving children, Kevin (Ronnaug), David (Susan Kagan), Michael (Brenda), Mary Morton (Jeffrey), and Bruce (Brenda). And to Martha (nee Michener), the love of his life, he was "Lorne", except when she really wanted his attention, and it would be "Lorne Maurice Francis Patrick Evans". Lorne was born in Quebec City, grew up in Montreal, and was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Evelyn, and brother Mervyn. He travelled to Winnipeg with the Canadian Armed Forces as a young officer in 1952. He settled there, he liked to say with his trademark twinkle, because it was home to the most beautiful girls in Canada. But there was only one who captivated him the way Martha did as his wife and life partner for nearly 66 years. Family was the core of Lorne's life. It is a legacy gift cherished by the three generations following his path as Lorne's love of family lives on in those who knew his hugs and quiet pride in each of them. His life values and abiding respect for all flowed from his Christian faith, earning him a lifetime membership in the Knights of Columbus. He also served as parish council chair at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, as a driver for Meals on Wheels, and at West Park Manor Personal Care Home. Lorne's faith nourished his will to be of service to others. Soon after his discharge from the armed forces at the rank of captain, Lorne worked in sales and development for Winnipeg Supply and The Hudson's Bay Company where he rose to manage the toy department, a fantasy come true for his children. But it was the construction industry that defined his career and where he earned a reputation for unwavering honesty and integrity. He served as a senior executive at PermaStructures, F.W. Sawatzky, and FWS, where he retired as company president and CEO. In that role, in 1989, his entrepreneurial spirit beckoned him to Moscow as the Soviet Union began to collapse, presenting some high-risk opportunities to leverage Canadian building methods. Many attributed his business success to Lorne's way with people: his genuine interest and curiosity in their lives, his easy laugh, his word as his bond. In recent years, living with Martha at The Wellington Retirement Community, nothing would delight Lorne more than bringing a smile or laugh to everyone he encountered. Lorne and Martha loved to travel and did so with gusto in their retirement years: winter months in Australia and Arizona, numerous cruises and explorations. Seldom one to sit still, he took up woodworking when his grandchildren were of an age where his toy and dollhouse-making lit them up with delight. He loved to read, to fish, and throughout his life (sometimes heated) family discussions on a myriad of topics were a staple around the dinner table. Every Friday, Lorne enjoyed lunch with his "LEOS" buddies, where laughter and friendly kibitzing were always on the menu. Lorne would often reflect that he was blessed to have lived the life he lived. He taught those who loved him that you create opportunities by how you live your life. He lived well, and we are equally blessed for it. Lorne's funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg, at 11:00 am on Friday, October 12, Msgr. M. Comeault presiding. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to CancerCare Manitoba . Lorne's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Brightwater Senior Living for the care they provided for the past several months. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 10, 2018

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2018, Oct 13, 2018