Obituary for Lorne Arthur Dorsch
October 22, 1921 – September 24, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorne in Barrie, on September 24, 2022, just weeks short of his 101st birthday. His death was predeceased by his beloved Grace and son, Ken. Lorne will be lovingly remembered by his son David (Pat), grandchildren Stephanie (Matt), Alicia (Sam) and Jacqueline (Tyler) and great grandchildren, Memphis, Sophia, and Gwendolyn.
Lorne was born on a farm in New Hamburg, the youngest of 10 children. He was responsible for a team of horses, helping out his family on the farm. He eventually moved to Hamilton where he got his undergraduate degree at McMaster and then to Toronto where he went to Theology College. His first charge was Naperville, Illinois, then Milverton/ Rostock, and then to Olivet United Church (Kitchener) and finally ending at Cambridge Street United Church (Lindsay). Lorne was an integral part of every community that he served in, not only through parish activities, services, funerals, weddings, confirmations and youth groups, but also doing home and hospital visits and helping the needy. He loved to sing and his microphone had to be turned off during the hymns as he sang with so much vigour and not always in tune. He would spend his free time building things: a sailboat, furniture, a wooden train and paddleboards for the grandchildren. He was involved in the Rotary Club and on the board at Five Counties Children Centre Foundation.
Lorne made lifelong friends as he moved around the province. He loved to golf, retiring his clubs at age 90. He even got a hole in one in his 80’s. He was also a curler and very competitive.
While still working, Grace and Lorne always spent a month at their cottage on Dickie Lake, and then the whole cottage season once he retired at age 65. There he would sail, swim, canoe, fish, play shuffleboard and visit with friends from afar and those that lived on the lake. Most importantly was afternoon tea and cookies. He and Grace would also take care of their grandchildren, supervising them on the paddleboards, giving them wheelbarrow rides, pushing them on swings, and playing cards in the evening.
Lorne’s last years were spent at Victoria Village, where he was well cared for. The staff would assist him in facetiming his granddaughter, Stephanie, and her 3 children. He met them all again in August 2022 when he watched his great grandchildren play, gave them all hugs and had a picnic in the park.
A celebration of Lorne’s life will take place at 11:00am on November 12, 2022 at Cambridge St United Church, 61 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to Five Counties Children Centre Foundation would be appreciated and may be made by cheque through Mackey Funeral Home or online at www.mackeys.ca