With fond memories and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Duncan Laurne at Inverness Hospital on February 13, 2023, with his loving family at his side.
Born in Inverness, Cape Breton on April 5, 1948, he was a son of the late John Duncan and Catherine Gordon (MacLean) Fraser. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Laurne is survived by his wife, Joanne (MacMillan) Fraser; sons, Robert Laurne “Robbie” (Alexandra), Calgary, and Isaac Alexander (Nicolle), St. Margaret’s Bay; grandchildren, Elise Christena Fraser, Brenna Claire Fraser, Seamus Eric Fraser, Barbara Maeve Fraser; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Fraser, Middleton, Audrey Fraser, Kenloch, Mary Florence MacMillan, Port Hood, Margo (Pat) Batherson, Port Hood; brothers-in-law, Donald MacMillan, Mabou, Bobby MacMillan, Inverness; Stephen MacMillan, Miramichi, David (Melody) MacMillan, Glendyer; Andrew (Michelle) MacMillan, Mabou. Laurne is also survived by his many treasured nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, John Duncan Fraser and Catherine Gordon (MacLean) Fraser; brothers, Garry (Geraldine) Fraser, Rev. Gordon Fraser, Hector Fraser; sister, Dorene Fraser-McArthur; brothers-in-law Allan (Geraldine), and Gregory.
Laurne worked for thirty-three years at the pulp-and-paper mill then known as Stora Enso, beginning in 1972. His long-standing experience earned him the role of working as machine-tender on the PM2 supercalendar expansion (at the time, the fastest machine of its kind in the world). Laurne remained in this role until his retirement in 2005. In retirement, Laurne enjoyed several part-time positions. He worked at The Red Shoe Pub (bartender, doorman), the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre (bartender), and Cabot Links (starter, bag storage). Each establishment provided him the pleasure of chatting with tourists about Cape Breton music, events, and culture.
Laurne met Joanne at a dance in West Lake Ainslie. They were married in Glencoe Mills on August 17, 1985. The reception was held at the Strathlorne Legion Hall, with Willie Kennedy, John MacDougall, and Gregory Campbell providing the music. Laurne and Joanne bonded over their mutual enjoyment of traditional Cape Breton fiddle music, never missing a chance to take in a ceilidh or dance a square set together all over Inverness County.
Laurne was a member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association, and in his own words, could “scratch out” a few tunes on the fiddle himself. He was instrumental in teaching and encouraging both of his sons to play music, and Laurne was particularly grateful for the many friendships he made through the music scene.
Laurne also had a love of old cars, another joy he and Joanne both shared. He took great pride in each vehicle he owned, doing his own detailing, maintenance, and tire changes, teaching his sons and passing on a passion for vintage vehicles. One vehicle in particular stood above the rest: his 1975 Ford Thunderbird, which he factory-ordered through MacAulay’s dealership in Baddeck. When working at the Red Shoe, he would proudly park the T-bird out front, taking up enough parking spaces for three average-sized cars.
The family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Dr. Ritter and the Palliative Care team, the nurses and doctors at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, Freeman’s Pharmacy, and oncologist Dr. Khodadad and his staff in Sydney.
Visitation will take place at the Inverness Funeral Home on Friday, February 17, from 3-8 pm, and Saturday, February 18, from 11am-12pm with Funeral Mass to follow in Stella Maris Church, Inverness, at 1 pm with Fr. Daniel Tshimbalanga officiating. Burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stella Maris Building Fund, Inverness or the Canadian Cancer Society of Nova Scotia.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
“Loved so dearly; only our Lord could love you more.”
