Lorne Albert Holyoak

He was born on February 22, 1936, to Henry William and Caroline Robertson Holyoak on a farm near Semans, Saskatchewan.

Lorne was a member of the original graduating class from Gladstone High School in Vancouver, where he was a standout basketball and rugby player. He was one of the founding members of the Red Lions rugby club. Lorne enjoyed a successful career in business, mostly with Imperial Oil, for more than 35 years before retiring. He started his career at the Royal Bank, and after retirement even had a go as a realtor.

He is survived by his spouse, Jean Carncross, his children Jennifer Lynn Hughes (Keith), Roberta Leigh Holyoak, Bernice Laura Holyoak and Lorne Todd Holyoak (Lisa), his grandchildren Kenny, Vicky, Danielle, and Jason, Erinn and Ryan, and Harper, his great-grandchildren Jordan and Corey, Jayson and Brianna, Melvin, Madison and Gracie, and Octavia and great, great-granddaughter Amari.

Lorne was predeceased by his first wife, Edith Lluella Holyoak (nee Davies).

Lorne traveled and explored the world, enjoying every moment whether it was riding elephants in Thailand, camels in Alice Springs, climbing Ayer’s Rock, sailing the Bay of Islands in NZ, backpacking in China, canoeing the Bowron Lakes and the Yukon River, sailing the BC coast and Gulf islands, or cruising throughout Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

In younger days, he led his family on camping expeditions throughout western Canada and the USA, where he bravely faced down fat black bears. He was always ready for a game of catch with his children, and as they grew older, he was generous in providing his support when they needed it.

Lorne was a naturally gifted athlete and at various times was an avid and accomplished basketball player, baseball player, curler, golfer and sailor. He golfed in the Senior Men’s league at NicoWynd for several years and won the Senior Club Champion-low net for 2015. He combined his knowledge of golf with his personality by working as a course marshal at Morgan Creek in Surrey, and at McCleery and Langara golf courses in Vancouver in the late 1990’s. As an accomplished sailor, he was proud to have volunteered as a Power Squadrons instructor, sharing his passion with others.

He was a supporter of English rugby, cheering on the Red Rose throughout his life. His love for the Vancouver Canucks endured throughout the team’s ups and downs. Lorne was curious by nature and was willing to try his hand at new skills, particularly when it came to home renovations. He was also known for his enthusiasm for winemaking, if not necessarily for the product of his labours. His curiosity was also intellectual, and he enjoyed reading about Canadian and British history.

He loved life, loved adventure, loved to be involved and would do his best in whatever he did. Although he felt naturally shy, it was said by former colleagues that Lorne always had a charismatic presence and a true joie de vivre.

He served on the board of the Myasthenia Gravis Association of BC for many years. He was President of the Esso Annuitant’s Club and remained active in club activities throughout his retirement.