Obituary of Lorne Everett THOMPSON

February 22, 1952 – Central Butte, Saskatchewan
January 30, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Lorne Thompson passed away peacefully and was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, January 30, 2020, a few weeks before his 68th birthday.

 Lorne was born on February 22, 1952 and was raised on a farm near Riverhurst, Saskatchewan. As a youth, Lorne was busy in the farm shop experimenting and building everything from a homemade motorcycle to scuba diving gear. Lorne loved a challenging hobby; he earned his pilot’s license and taught himself to play guitar. Lorne’s science inclinations led him to study at NAIT in Edmonton, followed by a technical career in telecommunications. He enjoyed his work with several companies including AGT, Novatel, Nortel, and Ericsson. His career provided him with many opportunities to visit countries all over the world.  

In 1975 Lorne married the love of his life, Janelle, and over the next couple years two more important milestones followed: firstly, Lorne and Janelle together gave their hearts to Jesus and secondly, they started their family with the arrival of son Scott, daughter Erin, and son Jeff. Lorne’s faith in God shaped his lifelong commitment to sharing the gospel of Christ. Lorne took the opportunity to visit and encourage Christians in other countries during work trips. He supported local immigrants, and volunteered at organizations such as the Mustard Seed. Meanwhile, the passion for tinkering, which started in his youth in the farm shop, continued through his life. Lorne was known to fix or build just about anything and he was never without a project. One of numerous examples was his ability to diagnose a faulty circuit board in his home furnace and replace a $5 component to avoid a costly repair job. Lorne built furniture, researched and digitized the family tree, assembled model airplanes, constructed wooden toys for his grandchildren, and kept his motor boat running smoothly through many seasons of water skiing and tubing on the Alberta and BC lakes. Lorne’s crowning achievement was designing and building a cabin near Pine Lake, Alberta, with his family. From pouring the foundation to nailing the last shingle on the roof, he treasured his time working together with family and friends at his side.

In the last few years, facing the uncertainty of prostate cancer, Lorne channelled his energy into spending time with his grandchildren. He taught them about God and life skills, and took them on many little adventures. From his computer, Lorne continued to share the love of Christ by supporting a church in India. 

Lorne is survived by his wife Janelle, his biggest supporter and encourager, who never left his side; as well as children, Scott (Agnes), Erin (Mike), and Jeff (Mira); and the ten grandchildren he so adored, Jack, Eleanor, Ben, Wyatt, Owen, Elyse, Levi, Adelle, Evelyn, and Pearl. Lorne is also survived by his brothers, Bob (Wilma), Den (Shirley), Larry (Roseanne) and their families. Lorne is remembered by Janelle’s mom Mildred and father John; brother John (Carol), and sister Heather (Len), and their families. Lorne was predeceased by his parents Cliff and Nancy, and granddaughter Evelyn, whose memories he cherished until the end of his time here.

A Celebration of Lorne’s Life will be held at Varsity Bible Church (4807 Valiant Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Lorne’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Varsity Bible Church Missionary Fund, 4807 Valiant Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3A 0Y3, Telephone: 403-288-1121, office@vbchurch.ca. We would like to thank all family, friends and health care providers for your tremendous support.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Lorne Thompson. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,   Telephone: 403-241-0044.