Obituary of Lorne Baxter

April 8, 1938 – Edmonton, Alberta

July 21, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Lorne Baxter of Calgary, AB passed away at the age of 84 years, surrounded by family.

Lorne will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Marg, son Craig (Renia), sisters Jackie Gee of Osoyoos and Gail Irwin of Crossfield as well as his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lorne was predeceased by his parents Ina and Jim Baxter, and brothers Roy and Reg Baxter.

Lorne grew up on a farm near Crossfield in a rodeo family where much time was spent doing chores and riding horses and steers.  Most summers were spent attending the Calgary Stampede where his dad drove a chuckwagon.  He also took his schooling in Crossfield and began his early training as a plumber. Some of his school mates have remained his life-long friends. He was a wonderful brother to his sisters Jackie and Gail, and a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews, always enjoying a catch up of their various life adventures.

In his career, Lorne spent over 30 years with Lockerbie and Hole and was well respected within the construction industry. His extensive knowledge of his trade and his ability to keep the troops in line and costs and schedules maintained made him a sought-after project manager. Lorne then cofounded and operated Baxham Mechanical and finished his long and impressive career as a senior consultant with Graham Construction.

Lorne enjoyed curling, downhill skiing, and was an avid golfer and member of Willow Park Golf and Country Club for nearly 50 years. It was at Willow Park where he and Marg got to know and become friends with so many great people who remain close to them today. Whether it was the Sunday Sandbaggers group, or the fierce competition of their annual Ryder Cup match weekend, Lorne loved the competition and camaraderie. He especially enjoyed his regular rounds with his golfing buddies, except when he had to begrudgingly buy coffee after nine, often declaring “this was fixed.”  He will be sorely missed by them all. Lorne was also a die-hard Flames fan and for several years held season tickets to the games.

Lorne and Marg enjoyed travels with family and their many friends over the years. Lorne’s most memorable trip was in 2018 when the family traveled to Tanzania for an African safari to experience the trip of a lifetime. Their safari host and guide affectionately referred to Lorne as “Mr. Buffalo” and “Ironman”.

Lorne was always active and liked to keep busy puttering around the house or garden. He was always up for a hike in the mountains and enjoyed the family's holiday homes over the years. Whether it was a summer golf outing, a fall fishing weekend in Fairmont, enjoying a warm winter in Arizona and Maui, or a trip out to the golf courses and vineyards in Osoyoos, Lorne loved them all, especially when his family was there.

Lorne was much loved by family and friends alike. He was a man of honesty, humility, and integrity. He was often a man of few words and when he spoke, everyone listened. Throughout what became a difficult health challenge, he remained a warrior right to the end. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives and he will remain forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Lorne’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In lieu flowers, donations can be made to the Rockyview General Hospital through calgaryhealthfoundation.ca or to arthritis.ca.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to the entire team at the Rockyview Intensive Care Unit for their truly excellent care and compassion during his time there.

In living memory of Lorne Baxter, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.3-256-9575.

Click Here to View Lorne Baxter's Memorial Card