LORNE ARTHUR LEECH

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LORNE ARTHUR LEECH Peacefully on Sunday, February 13, 2005 Lorne Leech passed away at the age of 77 with his family at his side. He was predeceased by his son Derry in 1951 and his father Arthur in 1986. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean; his four children and their families: Karen Stewart-Paley (Ted, Marina, Gavin), Randy Leech (Darlene), Tannis Kotchon (John, Jared, Lindsey) and Jeffery Leech (Trish, Tyler, Kyle); his mother Jessie Leech and his sister Marlene Dickson (Fred, Kevin, Barry, Loreley). Lorne was born in Winnipeg, MB on May 7, 1927. He attended Glenwood School and Glenlawn Collegiate. Upon completion of his schooling, Lorne entered the family business Lance Publishing Company Limited founded by his father Arthur. Always the industrialist, he worked on the presses during the day and drove a cab at night. One evening he picked up his future wife Jean Jeffery as a fare in his cab. Even though he made her pay the 65 cents for the cab ride they were married July 17, 1948. Lorne took over as President of Lance Publishing and Publisher of the Lance Paper in 1961. In 1963 he founded Lance Travel and in 1965 he built the Dakota Hotel. Lorne was still involved in the hotel business along with his son Randy until his passing. Lorne lived his whole life in St. Vital and couldn't understand why you would live anywhere else. He was very active in the community throughout his life. Lorne was on city council for 15 years. He fought hard for a number of city initiatives such as the St. Vital/Ft.Garry Bridge (which precipitated the development of St. Vital Centre), South End Sewage Treatment Plant and Bishop Grandin Blvd. He was involved in the development of the Unicity Council concept, which is Winnipeg today. He chaired many Commissions including the Manitoba Lotteries Commission and the Winnipeg Police Commission. During his involvement with the Kinsmen Club he was instrumental in the building of the South Winnipeg YMCA and Chesterfield House Senior Citizens Residence. Lorne was a member of the Khartum Shriners. The activity he loved most as a Shriner was the Shrine Circus where he enjoyed selling monkeys on a stick to the kids and seeing their joy. Lorne was a Past President and Honourary Life member of the St. Vital Curling Club. In his curling prime he was runner up in the 69th Annual Manitoba Curling Association (MCA) Bonspiel. Lorne loved the outdoors, spending time at the family cottage at Falcon Lake, on the beach at their winter home in Florida or around the flowers in his back yard. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoying many adventurous trips to remote points. Lorne loved life, lived large and was always up for a good time. At the cottage there was plenty of activity as he taught the kids and their friends how to swim, ski, fish or just enjoy life. There are also many great memories of family get togethers, trips with friends/family or just sitting around having a conversation. The family wishes to extend thanks and gratitude to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital in the MICU and 8th floor Palliative Care Unit for their care and compassion. As per Lorne's wishes there will be a private family service. Cremation has taken place and he will be laid to rest in the family plot at St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2005