Lorne Thomson

MR. LORNE BURNESS THOMSON of Lethbridge, AB beloved husband of Blanche Mae Thomson passed away peacefully, Sunday December 11, 2011 at the age of 84 years.

Born in Burford Township of Brant County, ON to parents William and Florence, Lorne left school early to go to work. Seeking opportunity, Lorne lied about his age in order to get his driver's license early and began working his way across Canada, where he fell in love with the west coast of Vancouver, BC and began his career as a truck driver. Travel and driving were the passions for Lorne and it showed in his stories. Whether it be about driving mining and logging trucks up north where it was so cold that a bulldozer could shatter its blade from hitting a rock or delivering goods in the heat of the Okanagan where he and a friend actually cooked an egg on the sidewalk, life experience make Lorne a great teacher.

Driving was always a passion for Lorne, which led to his career of racing in his 1952 Triumph TR3 through the 1960's and 70's at the Westwood race track in Coquitlam, BC until, ""It got to where you were competing against the other guy's bank account."" Although the racing stopped for Lorne, he stayed an active member of the Sports Car Club of BC for many years, always bringing his kids and their friends out every Sunday of the season to watch the races.

In 1993, Lorne moved to Lethbridge, AB to be close to family and enjoyed tinkering in the garage, where many a tool was invented for tending the yard and garden. Lorne especially loved the company of his pets, who he would remark ""Make better conversation than some people.""

Besides his loving wife Blanche, Lorne is survived by his step-children Lillian (Micheal) Hickman of North Vancouver, BC, Douglas (Kim) Gartland of West Vancouver, BC, and Kevin Gartland of Lethbridge, AB; son Brian (Jimmi-Lynn) Thomson of Lethbridge, AB; grandchildren Kathryn Hickman of North Vancouver, BC, Adam, Todd, and Kyle Gartland of West Vancouver, BC, Riley Christie of Naramata, BC, Alex and Theo Thomson of Lethbridge, AB; sister Ethal (Walter) Taylor of Paris, ON and brother Roy(Agnes) Thomson of Woodstock, ON; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Lorne was predeceased by his brothers Chuck and Earl Thomson of ON; sister Eunice Osbourne of ON; and step-son Severin Gartland of Vancouver, BC.

Granting Lorne's request there will be no funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lorne's name may be made to the Alzheimer Society @ 1-888-329-3766.

The family would like to give thanks to the staff of Legacy Lodge for their care and compassion in Lorne's final year, and to the staff of the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, floor 4B, for their care and compassion during Lorne's final hours.