Lorne Cowley

Do tam: Shiishiib

Sunrise: February 15, 1960

Sunset: September 24, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Lorne Lee Cowley, who began his journey to the Spirit World on September 24, 2026.

Lorne was born on February 15, 1960, to Peter and Sally Cowley of Naotkamegwanning (Whitefish Bay First Nation). Affectionately called Quezaas by his parents, Lorne grew up in Whitefish Bay as part of a large and close family of eleven children, surrounded by his brothers and sisters and deeply connected to his family, community and the land.

Lorne leaves to cherish his memory his children, Lauren Redsky, Justin White, Rheannon Tom, Elvin Cowley, Kelvin Cowley, Lee Tom and Mikey Tom (Trinity), and joins his children, Clifford Cowley and Baby Lee, who predeceased him.

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Brooklyn Jade White, Darius Lee Jameison, Autumn Olympius Lee Anishinabe, Javier Tom, Malik Redsky, Kayce, Champion, Phellicia, and his great-grandchild Odin Beacham.

Lorne also leaves behind his beautiful and loving sisters, Glenda Cowley, Leona Cowley, Nancy-Bell Cowley, Melvina Cowley and Shari-Ann Cowley, his very special friend, Mandy Roulette, and his many nieces and nephews who will carry their memories of him close to their hearts.

Waiting to welcome their chiimaz (baby brother) into the Spirit World are his siblings Clifford Cowley, Peter Cowley Jr., Leon Cowley, Gary Cowley and Gloria Annabelle Strong. While his brothers and sister who have gone before him welcome him home, his sisters who remain here will lovingly prepare him for his journey.

Lorne was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back just to make sure you were warm. He gave even during the times when he had very little to give himself. If someone needed help, Lorne found a way. His generosity came naturally to him, and he carried a kindness that touched many people throughout his life.

Family was especially important to Lorne. Together with his brother Gary, Lorne played an important role in helping their sister Glenda raise her only son, Dale Cowley. To Dale, Lorne and Gary were much more than uncles -they were like fathers. They spent countless hours teaching him the ways of the land and passing on their knowledge of fishing, hunting and trapping. Through those teachings, they shared not only skills but traditions, memories and a connection to the land that Dale will carry with him throughout his life.

Lorne spent his early years in Whitefish Bay before later making his home in Thunder Bay, where he made numerous friendships and continued to touch the lives of those around him. Among his friends in Thunder Bay, Lorne was fondly known as "Chief," a name by which many came to know and remember him.

Lorne also volunteered his time at Grace Place, where he was remembered and spoken of kindly. Helping others was simply part of who Lorne was. Whether someone needed a hand, a little encouragement, something to eat, or simply someone who cared, Lorne tried to be there. He had a heart for people who were struggling and always tried to help those in need.

Those who knew Lorne will remember his giving heart, his love for his family, his connection to the land, and the way he cared for others even when life was not always easy for him. His life was not measured by what he had, but by what he was willing to give.

Lorne's journey here has come to an end, but the love, teachings and memories he leaves behind will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, sisters, nieces, nephews, Mandy, and all those whose lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Baa Maa Pii Minawahkaawabiminimin

(Until we meet again)

Wake service will be held at the Peshigoneb Building on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 starting 11:00 am. Funeral service will be held on Thursday October 8th starting 10:00 am with burial to follow with Niibebiin and Maajaa’iwewin ceremonies to be conducted by Mide’Kiwenzie with the Lodge Grandmothers Council of Ki’eshgitabaaning.