I just heard about Lori’s passing and am greatly saddened by the news. Lori “came back” to Saskatchewan and made a difference here in so many different domains. We were both health research facilitators in and around the University of Saskatchewan and that is where we initially crossed  paths. There are three significant memories I have of Lori. First, she loved her family in Saskatchewan and her family in Ontario. Second, she “gave back” to causes that she believed in. The volunteer work she did with Saskatchewan Triathlon and with parole and corrections across Canada was substantial and done from the heart. Third, she was a triathlete when we met and in wonderful cardiovascular condition, a circumstance that presented challenges for me during our twice weekly runs around the UofS campus. I miss Lori and wish to pass along best wishes to her family and friends who loved this amazing woman.

I am extremely saddened to hear of Lori’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Lori and others on a project that resulted in a magazine sharing stories from prisoners about their relationships with pets and animals that made their lives better. It was a creative undertaking and Lori led the way. We had the chance to travel with Lori to Stony Mountain in MB and take Lori to my favourite restaurant in Winnipeg. She will be fondly remembered for helping our team make this project a reality. In typical Lori style - helping others. 

I was so saddened to hear of Lori's passing.  Working with her at the UofS, I knew Lori to be a kind, thoughtful, dedicated person who brought sparkle and passion to everything she did.  I will miss her.  My condolences to the family.

Lori was such an inspiration to many of us female triathletes. Lori was a strong triathlete, and her contribution to the triathlon community was immense and of great importance.  I have so many beautiful memories of shared laughter during my involvement with the triathlon community at both the local and provincial levels – not to mention my run-ins with her as an Official. She had such a great sense of humour, approached challenges with a big and beautiful smile, and tackled any role with such competence. Lori – you will truly be missed.  My sincere condolences to Lori’s family.

I was absolutely shocked to hear this very sad news. My deepest condolences go out to the Ebbesen family. I met Lori at a party not long after her arrival in Saskatoon and our friendship developed from there. Although we never shared the same workplace, we did share common ground, professionally and understood each other’s experiences that way. I admired Lori for her unwavering commitment to excellence and her outstanding achievements on all fronts. She gave so generously to the people and institutions she cared for and believed in. I smile at the memory of our many heart-to-heart chats over coffee, lunch and glasses of wine - we sure covered a lot of ground! She was always so happy when telling stories about her family and gleamed with pride at the mention of her nieces Karlinna and Paige. Lori knew how to be a friend and a good listener. Although our visits were less frequent in recent years, there was a connection that allowed us to just pick up where we left off. I was very much looking forward to our traditional New Years’ lunch at Prairie Ink. RIP my friend. You will be sorely missed but not forgotten. 

Lori was such a kind and generous person who spent so much time and energy making me feel welcome at the University of Saskatchewan. She seemed always to raise other up and to help them find their paths -- I am so grateful to have had the chance to know and work with her. 

I was shocked to hear of Lori's passing. My heart goes out to all of her family and close friends. I knew Lori in her role as Research Facilitator at the School of Physical Therapy/School of Rehab Science.  I was on staff at the School.  We chatted  lots and I got to know her a little through our visits.  Lori and I and another of the School's staff,  Joel,  used to go out for drinks after work sometimes.  She would call and say "I think it's time for we three amigos to go out again!"  We had fun together and she would often share stories of her family to Joel and me.  She was a vibrant, funny, passionate woman.  I'm glad I got to spend some time with her over those few years.  My deepest condolences to her family.

I knew Lori through several stages of her life.  In her many research capacities at the University of Saskatchewan she was always reaching for high standards and putting Saskatchewan researchers and students on the national and international stages.  My first direct work with Lori started in 1998 when I was chair of the Health Services Utilization and Research Commission of Sk.  As noted in her obituary her support for the health research community was significant.   
As a fellow member of the sporting community I so admired Lori's commitment as a volunteer and athlete.  She contributed more than anyone could imagine.  
Finally I want to say how much Lori cared about her family.  She was constantly telling stories about her mom and her extended family; travels and adventures over the years.  My deepest sympathy to Lori's family and friends.

I have only known Lori for the past two years, but in that time, I grew to know what a hardworking, dedicated person she was.  I also was  privileged to see that twinkle in her eye, and beautiful beaming smile full of pride when she spoke about her nieces, her sisters, her extended family and her Mom.  My heart breaks for all of you.  Take care and Lori's memory and legacy will continue to shine bright in all of you.  

Lori was a shining light. The person you wanted to sit next to. She was uplifting and had a bounce in her step. As others have mentioned, she gave 110% of herself, and her work on the Biomedical Research Ethics Board was no different. We were expecting her to join us again in January, and so her absence and passing will be at the front of our minds as we get back to work after the holidays. Lori left a mark on all of us. Hugs to everyone during this difficult time. 

So many memories of my dear friend and colleague. I was a young Professor at McMaster in the mid-1980s when a bright eyed female graduate student with a smile that lit up my office came to ask for help.  Her supervisor had left for the US and she needed a replacement…… and whether I liked it or not I had become the chosen one! Lori’s thesis topic involved developing a questionnaire to assess problems encountered by cardiac spouses; I was a physiologist so outside of my area, but not to worry, Lori said she would guide me through it. Guide me she did and we ended up publishing a paper that has generated dozens of requests for the assessment tool from around the world, even to this day!

Since then Lori and I were great friends, meeting up nearly every time she visited Ontario. Such a proud daughter, sister and aunt, she radiated while telling stories of her family.

I loved getting email updates and photos describing Lori’s escapades from around the world, and I felt deeply proud of her accomplishments. I truly hope she knew the depth of my pride and admiration!

I tried very hard to recruit Lori back to Ontario, and came tantalizingly close on one occasion, but it seemed impossible to take the Prairies out of that lady!

My last memory of Lori was almost three years ago when she and Bess visited Kingston and my wife Conny and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with them. It was not supposed to be the last visit, and I am devastated that our friend has departed so early.

This was the first Christmas since we met that I didn’t receive a warm ‘hugs’ greeting from Lori, so I was worried that something wasn’t right. To hear of her passing still seems surreal, I am sure I will wake up in a minute and this will have been but a bad dream. If only!

Thank you Lori for bringing such joy to my life, and to so many. Love you lots!





On behalf of all of the Citizen Advisory Committees across Canada, I wish to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of  Lori.  She always gave 110 percent to everything she did. I had the opportunity to work with her on the National Executive and she was a  dynamic, energetic individual. 
Lori received the 2018 James A Murphy Award of Excellence and was described at that time as having a dedication and commitment to public safety that served as a positive motivator for others. 


I am Lori’s mother, and wish to thank each and every one of you for your beautiful memories of my daughter. Not knowing her colleagues I cannot answer you directly, but your words and thoughts have brought me much comfort. 
Once again, thank you all..I know she will live on in our memories.

Bess Ebbesen.       ebbesenbess44@gmail.com

Lori, to me, is an eternal optimist, who believed anything can be accomplished.   As far as I know, this is how her life was lived.  I am heartbroken, however, her determination to challenge, always with a smile, is my memory, now and moving forward.  My condolences to Lori’s Family and friends.

Lori was a remarkable person who I knew through USASK's Animal Research Ethics Board.  Throughout many long meetings, it was always apparent Lori had a true committment to excellence and zest for life and laughter.  In hearing about all her academic, volunteer and sporting achievements, I am in further awe.  She will be dearly missed and has left us far too soon. My sincere condolences to her family...

Our thoughts are with Lori’s family and friends during this very sad time. She was a strong woman who touched the lives of so many. We are so very sorry for your loss. Oxo Elaine and Howard
Katie and Emma

To Kathy, Kevin, Karlinna, Paige and your entire family.  What an important  life Lori led. She will be missed by so many. I know what a wonderful aunt, sister & daughter she was. Lori was such a determined individual. She loved you O'Leary girls as her own and you never let her meet a a challenge alone. Lori was so very passionate and focused. She was a woman who gave effortlessly to others. I  know that Lori will be missed. 
May those memories made with her keep Lori forever in your hearts and time heal the hurt you feel today. Sending you love. xoxo

I knew Lori through triathlon.  She was the most dedicated and passionate triathlete and official I have ever known .  I also appreciated her knowledge when we served on the provincial board together.  She was a familiar face at races throughout the province and will be missed.  Rest In Peace Lori. 

Lori was a wonderful and talented colleague, from whom I learned a number of skills. She was a generous and avid supporter of budding researchers such as myself. Most of all Lori’s kindness was evident in all she did  and she will be dearly missed. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Lori’s  family and friends during this difficult and sad time. 


Very sad news.
Lori was a lovely person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Rest In Peace Lori.

Dear Bess, Gayle, Kathleen, Barbara & Family,
  On behalf of all Lori's friends and colleagues at the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, I would like to extend my sincere condolences on learning of her passing.
  Lori was a force to be reckoned with when it came to her passions. In addition to being one of only 3 triathlon inductees recognized in the Hall of Fame, Lori left her mark on the organization through her passion for policy & governance.
  It is hard to imagine that the light has dimmed on Lori's megawatt smile. We will continue to share her legacy to sport with future generations.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

I was reflecting on the letter of support that I wrote for Lori on her nomination to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in the Builder category in 2017. Her accomplishments were hard to contain in the two pages that I submitted. Her tireless energy and devotion to the sport of triathlon as an official at the provincial, national and international levels was matched only by her dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle that allowed her to compete in several Ironman competitions. She never lost sight of the importance of community-based grassroots participation as she helped out at Kids of Steel triathlons. 
 I witnessed her organizational contributions to community and professional service beyond triathlon, as we participated as members of a core planning committee that hosted the 2004 national Canadian Evaluation Society Conference in Saskatoon for the first time. Lori submitted a conference evaluation summary report that served as a model for future conference planning committees. Her intent was to always facilitate learning and to share ideas to improve the event experience. 
                Lori will be remembered by me as someone who not only embraced serving her community but who also cared very deeply for her friends and family. She would often share stories of what her contacts were up to around the globe. She was also proud to provide updates about her nieces from Ontario who she always looked forward to visiting. Lori will be truly missed. We send our deepest sympathies to the Ebbesen family on your loss. 
John & Monique Marshall


Committed, tireless, relentless (sometimes to get detriment) but most of all a friend. 

I’m gutted by the passing of Lori. We worked together at Triathlon Canada and in all my years working in the not for profit sector, I never worked with a harder working volunteer who so graciously donated her time, wisdom and expertise to the cause. 

Moreover, I became friends with Lori, sadly missing an opportunity to see her again this past spring as I passed through Saskatoon. I will regret this all the more now. 

I was so honoured to attend her indiction ceremony into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and this picture is from that weekend.  She deserved this and so much more. I hope that Triathlon Canada will consider indicting her into its HOF posthumously. 

She was an amazing woman and she will be missed. 

Rest In Peace Lori. 

Love,
Alan 

(Alan Trivett, former Executive Director at Triathlon Canada)

Kathy, Barb, Gayle and Bess  and families.  
The words won’t come. 
It feels so unfair to have such a wonderful soul taken so soon. I did not know Lori well, but the fabric of her up bringing, the intelligence, the athleticism, the community value,  and mostly the big heart,  is weaved into all the girls in the E family.   I am so sorry for your loss, for our loss.  May the strength of your memories sustain you during this difficult time. I am sure we will all honour Lori in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven is now a better place. 
Patti Priestman

Having Lori speak numerous times at the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet was a highlight of the evenings! 
So sad to hear of her passing, sending positive thoughts of comfort to her loved ones. 
Sincerely,
Dana Kidd

Please accept my sincere condolences at the tragic loss of Lori.  
Chair of CBI CAC 


My heart is broken at this sad loss.   I knew Lori through our years together on the Research Ethics Board, and I felt we became friends as we chatted after meetings, often over second or third desserts.  She was the most conscientious and hard working of all, and valued the opinions of others, too.  What an inspiration!  When Lori told me about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, she was not boastful, but as excited as a little child!  She was so sincere and tender and funny.  I am blessed to have known her.   My deepest sympathies to Lori's family.  She will be deeply and sadly missed. <3  

Dear Kathy, Kevin, Karlinna & Page;

Our deepest sympathies with the loss of your much loved sister and aunt. Lori was an enthusiastic team member whenever she visited your family and a keen supporter of all your endeavors from afar.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your love ones.

Love, 
Neffisa and family

Lori was my colleague and friend.  I met her at the University of Saskatchewan and got to know her even better when she worked as the research facilitator in the College of Kinesiology.  She supported the research in our lab and was instrumental in the success of  many research applications and graduate student grants and scholarships.  I will never forget heading to her office the morning after we learned of a successful post-doctoral application and  we hugged and danced in the hallway.  Such wonderful memories.  I told her then, and I told her many times after that our research teams could not have achieved what we did without her incredible intellect, insights and editing skills!  It was always so clear that she worked to support us, to ensure our success, and we owe so much to her.
As a friend,   I cherished our impromptu visits in the hallways, our offices and during walks around campus,  where we talked  about sport (mostly volleyball) and she shared the experiences of her nieces----she was so proud and such a big fan.  My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.  She will be greatly missed.  


Barb & Dave

Our thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing the Celebration of Lori's Life so that we were able to learn what a wonderful impact Lori has had on so many people.

Sue & Gary

Memories of our time together will always make me smile

Juliet Fahey 
New Zealand 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and sad time. 

Lori was truly a one of a kind ..a shining star. 
Her light will continue to shine on in our hearts. 



I knew Lori both through the triathlon community as well as through the College of Kinesiology at the U of S.  Her contribution to triathlon in our province and country was immense. Personally I remember her smile and positivity at triathlon events. When I was newer to serving on the STAC board and coaching, I felt she was an excellent mentor. I remember being at a triathlon event shortly after having my first child when she took the time to introduce me to another coach (who also happened to be a mom and an Olympian). It was a small gesture but, like the many chats and “hellos” in the hall on campus, exemplified her ability to invest in others. She will be missed. - Carly Priebe

Lori was someone I became very found of over the years. We worked closely together on developing research grants and she was instrumental in the success of many as our research facilitator. Despite her strong work ethic and writing skills, it was her generosity, warmth and kindness I will remember the most, whether it was the daily office chat, phone call or over a glass of  wine.  Lori will be missed! My deepest sympathies to the Ebbesen family. 

A tragic loss to those that Lori touched through her many facets of life. Cheryl and I new Lori via the triathlon community and admired her dedication and pursuit of excellence as an administrator and athlete.
Kevin Sutton and Cheryl Brooke

My deepest sympathy Bess,  to you  and your family,  in the passing of your beloved daughter Lori. A beautiful spirit who will be missed, yet live on in our memory.  May she Rest In Peace. 💕💕💕

Bess and family,
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Lori was a dedicated and accomplished athlete. We enjoyed many fun times with her at the farm. She spoke so fondly of her family that it was obvious she was well loved. She will be missed.
Chris and Linda

To Kathy, Kevin, Karlinna, Paige and the Ebbesen family,

Alex and I would like to express our deepest sympathies on the passing of your sister Lori.
Kathy, I remember you talking about Lori as your "bestie from the west." My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time.




Sincere sympathy to Gayle and families. She had so much more to give. 

Lori was my friend and colleague in the College of Kinesiology and on the Research Ethics Board at the University of Saskatchewan. As a research facilitator, I "owe" her many of my successful grants; her scientific writing was impeccable. She was a top-notch consultant when it came to research ethics. Most importantly, she was always there for a quick chat about life in the hallways or our offices. I will sincerely miss Lori. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Spent many hours with Lori over the years.  Our collective passion for triathlon (racing and supporting) had us at many of the same events over the years.  Her commitment as an athlete and more importantly to giving back to her province and country was impressive and inspiring.  She is far too young to have left us, but her foot prints were significant.  Thoughts with her family and friends,

To Kathy,, Kevin, Karlinna, Paige and your family.  

We remember Lori cheering loud and proud at Karlinna and Paige’s many volleyball tournaments over the years. We could see firsthand what a wonderful aunt and sister she was.  Lori was such a determined, passionate, and generous human being.  She had wonderful  qualities…the same ones that run throughout your entire family.    We know that Lori will be sadly missed.  We also know that the memories and her spirit will live on forever.  We share in your grief. 
With much love,
Donna, Jon, Marina, and Julia xo


My condolences to you my friend Bess and your family, Lori was such a wonderful person, and will be sorely missed by my family and friends at the Grande Regency. Rest in Peace. Stella.

I spent nearly 10 years working with Lori at the University of Saskatchewan in my role as Associate Dean Research and acting Dean of the College of Kinesiology. She was a force to be reckoned with and so dedicated to helping faculty succeed. I have such fond memories of our chats about research in her office but more importantly our chats about life, in the bar. She will be sorely missed both professionally and personally. 

Lori was my neighbour when I bought my first home in Saskatoon. We would visit and rant and share the joys in our lives and generally solve all the worlds problems, in theory at least.  After I moved, we saw each other less but still often as she walked by the new house on her way to work. I later joined the ethics board and our friendship blossomed. I always looked forward to sharing an extra desert or two or visiting long after everyone was back to their duties. She was kind, thoughtful, and thorough. She did not do anything unless she was to do it well. She was honoured by many accolades and awards, and continued to serve the community tirelessly through volunteering or small gestures of kindness. She will be missed so much. My thoughts and prayers to her family. She touched my soul and I am forever the better for her presence in my life. Love you Lori

To Bess and family,
We are so deeply sorry that your beloved daughter, sister and auntie has passed. 
Lori was always such a shining light when she visited us, so kind and thoughtful.
She will always be remembered fondly and definitely never forgotten…..
With sincerest sympathy…💕💕

OBITUARY

Lori Sue Ebbesen

29 November, 1959 – 26 December, 2021

Mourning Glory Funeral Services

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