Obituary of Lorne Elmer Theaker

Lorne passed away peacefully at Heritage House in Stettler, surrounded by family. Lorne’s parents, Elmer and Margaret were pioneers near Provost, Alberta, and Lorne and his six sisters were born and grew up on the farm there. Born a farmer, Lorne was working on the farm full-time by his mid-teens. The first farm he owned himself was at Hayter, Alberta. In 1946 Lorne met a lovely, red-haired nurse named Mary Ann Farnalls who was at her first job at the Provost General Hospital. She took a job in Prince George, and he followed her there, where he worked in an auto-body shop for the winter. In 1949 Lorne and Mary Ann were married at Halkirk, in the home of John and Edna Farnalls, Mary Ann’s parents. In 1952, they purchased the present Lazy T farm from Mary Ann’s family. Lorne and Mary Ann went on to raise their five daughters on this beautiful piece of land. Lorne’s hard work and enterprising nature helped to expand the farm a great deal over the 38 years before he retired. Upon retirement in Stettler, Lorne took up woodworking and made many lovely pieces of furniture that are treasured in the family. He also made literally hundreds of picture frames for family and friends over the years. He volunteered on the boards for the Handi-bus Association and the Stettler Museum. As well, Lorne and Mary Ann were both active members of the Stettler United Church. Lorne is predeceased by his infant son Archie and brothers-in-law Joe, Edgar, Hugh, Horace, Ernie and Earl. His memory is cherished by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann, and their five daughters– Helen (Ian) Whyte, Lois (Ion) Buicliu, Thelma (Don) Strome, Clara (Tony) Nibourg, and Corinne (Michael) Saretsky. Lorne has twelve grandchildren – Arran, Peter (Kim), Meg, Ang (Tim), Tom (Lindsay), Jeff (Jenn), Michelle (Des), Jenna, Sidonie, Luke, Lauren and Amy. His four great-grandchildren are Sholeh, Natalie, Alexis and Brooklyn. As well, Lorne is lovingly remembered as a good brother to his six sisters– Victoria, Violet, Mabel, Verna (Bryce), Joan (Francis) and Jean (Jack), and brother-in-law Raymond - and their families. Many heartfelt thanks to the patient and caring staff at Heritage House where Lorne spent his last years. In loving memory of Lorne, memorial contributions may be made to Stettler & District Handi Bus Society, Stettler Health Services Foundation - Heritage House, Halkirk Cemetery Fund or to the charity of your choice. Funeral services at Stettler United Church, Stettler, Alberta.