Lorne Whyte

Lorne Whyte was a visionary tourism leader in Victoria, British Columbia, where his love of community, friends, and family will be remembered. Lorne passed away on January 31, 2022 at age 80 after a courageous decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s. Lorne was born in Vancouver and spent most of his life on Vancouver Island. He has a large family through two marriages, first with Betty Curtis, and then Ayn Marie Whyte (deceased). Lorne was a family man and is survived by his children, Deva Khalsa; Cheryl Paddack and husband Mark; Darren Whyte, Paul Coyle and wife Kiley; and Lisa Roberts. “Papa” was very proud of his four grandchildren Rhye and Megan Paddack and Guru Dev and Prabhu Jot Khalsa.

He launched his career in the family grocery business at Shop Easy stores. He ran Visitor Publications for 14 years at which point he sunk his teeth into the tourism sector. Lorne was President and CEO of Tourism Victoria for 19 years and named Tourism BC’s Industry Leader of the Year 2007. He was a passionate tourism advocate who supported many initiatives to increase Victoria’s presence (such as serving on the 2010 Olympic Bid Committee and founding the TerrifVic Jazz Party). He believed in connecting with people; Victoria Jaycees member, 15 years; and manager at The Victorian Newspaper, CFAX Radio, and the Pacific Northwest Tourist Services. Lorne’s grand spirit may be best remembered by his catchphrase that opened Victoria’s jazz festivals, “Let the good times roll!” He loved golfing, boating, fishing, long walks with his kids, soaking up the Hawaiian sun, dancing to live jazz, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Those who loved Lorne (family, friends, colleagues, caregivers, community) can honor his legacy by enjoying the heart of his career and the place he called home, Victoria. Donations to a local Alzheimer’s support group in your area is encourage.