Obituary of Lorne Douglas Benedict

May 20, 1949 – Calgary, Alberta

November 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorne Benedict of Calgary, AB, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the age of 75 years.

Lorne (or Doug, as his family called him), was born on May 20, 1949, in Calgary, AB, to Albert and Winnifred Benedict (Webber) and grew up alongside his siblings Marion and Jim.

After graduating high school, Lorne devoted his time to education and graduated from the University of Calgary. He also volunteered for a non-profit that his friend Bob Coffin ran, The Big Wheels Club. They held events for people with mobility limitations, such as dances and comedy shows. It was through this group that Lorne met the love of his life, Louise.

They both attended a conference in Calgary that brought together people with varying disabilities. It was love at first sight. They talked over the phone for months as Louise lived up north in Grande Prairie, and after only two visits with each other to meet their families, Lorne proposed in Banff, AB.

They lived a rich life together, having over forty years of marriage, which included living across Alberta and spending a few years in China. A big part of that life was their son Cameron, who was born a few years into their marriage.

Lorne spent many of his years teaching continuing education and worked in various roles related to education. He was also incredibly passionate about music, dedicating hours on end curating playlists and meticulously ranking tracks. He would always say (very earnestly) that rock ’n’ roll will never die. In fact, one of his final wishes was that we wouldn’t stop playing music.

Lorne was also blessed to have his family extended to include his daughter-in-law Nicole and his grandson Emmett. He thought that it was “so cool” when Emmett took up guitar and got into heavy metal. He even described it as “radical”, which was probably the most “Doug” thing ever if you knew him.

With his love of music in mind, the family will be holding a small gathering at a local pub to celebrate Lorne’s life. Space will be limited, so invites will follow from Cameron, Jim Benedict, and Donna Hrynyck. Thank you for your understanding.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Lorne’s family here.

In living memory of Lorne Benedict, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.