Lorne Burton Waywell

WAYWELL, LORNE BURTON Retired District Chief Toronto Fire Department On January 11, 2025, in his 99th year, Lorne passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved and devoted husband of the late Camille for over 68 years; and the loving father of Kelly (Attila Jagodits), Lisa (Marilyn) and Brian (Marge). Lorne was the caring grandfather ("Pops") of Matthew (Claire), Christopher, Summer, Rowan ("Dream") and Sierra; and the affectionate great-grandfather of Arayah and Anastasia. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas William and Mahala May Waywell; his sister, June Peterson (the late Burl); and his brother, Kelvin Waywell. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Iva Waywell; and many nieces and nephews.

Lorne was always an active person, and in his youth enjoyed sports and time spent with his parents and siblings at the family cottage in Bala, Muskoka. He enlisted in the Canadian Army during World War II, but since he was too young to be sent overseas, instead taught soldiers Judo in a training camp in British Columbia. After the war, following a few years of office work, Lorne joined the Toronto Fire Department, initially as a firefighter, then became the Department photographer, rising to the rank of District Chief. Eventually, he served as the Department's Chief Information Officer. He retired in 1986, after more than 36 years of service on the Department. He leaves a legacy of photographs, documenting the history of firefighting in Toronto and the growth of the city over several decades, which has a permanent place at the City of Toronto Archives.

Throughout his life, Lorne's remarkably kind, generous and gentle nature was appreciated by all. He was a true gentleman. Even well into his nineties, he was physically active and was constantly seeking out how he could be of service to others. Lorne was a man with a deep private faith in God, who lived a Christian life and who encouraged and aided his wife and children in their Catholic faith. Lorne and Camille, a wonderful team, were devoted to each other and were there whenever family, friends and neighbours needed help.

A special heartfelt thanks to Marilyn Sutton, Liza Bugarin-Veecock, Catherine Doctolero and Sally Docil for their dedicated care of Lorne in recent years when he required additional assistance to remain in his own home. Thank you also to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care team, particularly nurse Dusanka Kalabic and Dr. Jennifer Arvanitis, who supported Lorne (and earlier, Camille) at home in their final months. Lorne left us with many fond memories and served as an example of compassion and caring that will live on through family members and the many others he assisted over the years. We will greatly miss his good and loving heart, his love of music, his sense of humour and the twinkle in his eye.

The Visitation will be held at the Paul O'Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough, on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. The Funeral will be held at St. Brigid's Church, 300 Wolverleigh Boulevard, Toronto, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, 305 Erskine Avenue, Toronto. If desired, donations to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care or North York General Hospital would be appreciated.