Lorne Jeffery Ellwood

Lorne Jeffrey Ellwood

 February 27, 1935 - March 10, 2023

The family is saddened to announce Lorne’s passing on March 10, 2023, at the age of 88.  In keeping with his wishes, he was able to remain at Rivera Aspenridge, his chosen home for the past year and a half.  Although he faced many health setbacks, Lorne never complained and was earnestly grateful to those looking after him. Lorne and his family are also grateful to the many staff who welcomed him to the Rivera community and supported Lorne, providing tender, attentive care, ultimately allowing him a short-lived and merciful transition. 

Lorne was born in Lloydminster Saskatchewan on February 27, 1935, to Elizabeth and Joseph Ellwood.  He was the youngest of six children, and the last surviving member of his immediate family.   Preceding him in death are sisters Olive Pringle & Dorothy McInnis, and brothers Frank, Gordon, & William.  Despite financial hardships and hard work, he often said that being the last in line allowed him to escape the worst effects of  hard times, as he was well cared for and shielded by a large extended family.

Lorne is predeceased by his wife Jo. He is survived by his stepdaughter Janet Sanchuk and grandsons Steven and Jordon Sanchuk.  Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive him, most of whom he maintained contact with. He was instrumental in organizing an annual family golf tournament for a time, and happily attended large family functions.

Lorne was a consummate storyteller. He lived a life of great adventure, which gave him an endless supply of material, to share with the family over the years.  Generally speaking, his stories, which spanned the Arctic to South Africa, and all points between, were filled with nonsense and humour, and were most often self-deprecating. He loved to laugh and could see the humor in daily life.

He said the adventure began when it occurred to him that either he was not fit for school or school was not fit for him, and so, either way, he knew he needed to chart a different path. Pure happenstance placed him in the company of “someone “offering work on oil rigs. The early days involved a lot of very hard work in very cold temperatures, conditions that he quickly knew, were not for him.  An opportunity to begin working on offshore drilling rigs in warmer climes appeared, and so, solely based on weather and little else, he jumped at the chance, launching a lifelong career that took him all over the world. He would often reflect and be surprised that he was organized enough to get a passport and leave small town Saskatchewan, but was forever glad that he did.

The family considered him a confirmed bachelor for many years, but that changed when he met Josephine Sanchuk (Jo) in the 1970’s.  The early years of their marriage were spent overseas, living in varied locations. They were generous hosts to family who travelled to see them, providing great hospitality and adventures. Ultimately, they relocated to Red Deer to settle down, where they enjoyed “not moving” and being close to Janet and their grandsons. Jo passed away in 2009.

Lorne was a happily dedicated papa to Steven and Jordon. He was very proud of them and their accomplishments. He often said how grateful he was to be able to be part of their lives when they were growing up. He reflected on their time together as being full of fun and he enjoyed being able to cheer them on in their endeavors.

Lorne enjoyed several interests. He admired arts and music, wood working, and gardening. Poetry was important to him, and he particularly admired Robert Service and Omar Khayyam. Declining health in recent months resulted in a number of trips to Hospital Emergency Rooms. On several occasions, while waiting, he would recite poetry. Not one doctor or nurse interrupted him, but rather, would wait for him to finish.

He was an accomplished wood worker, creating a large number of Intarsia Wood Sculptures. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many west coast fishing adventures. He loved to follow the stock markets and was engaged in horse racing for a time. To the end of his life, he could rattle off sports standings, investment rates or recite, in full, The Cremation of Sam McGhee. He left the most recent family Christmas gathering reciting:  

"The Moving Finger writes, and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.”

Omar Khayyam

In keeping with his wishes, no services will be held. He will be interred in Marshall, Saskatchewan along side his mother, father, and brother William.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

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