After a long life full of love and adventure, Lorne “LC” Smith 3378 from class of ‘55 passed away on 5 April 2023 at his home in Guelph, Ontario, with his loving wife Sally Smith and two beautiful daughters, Shayne and Blaire, by his side at an incredible age of 90. Lorne has been reunited with his son, Paul, in the afterlife where they will watch over their large surviving family together.
Lorne was born on 16 January 1933 to Sarah Fern and Albert Holmes in Mooretown, Ontario. After Lorne graduated high school from S.C.I.T.S, he went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the Royal Military College in Kingston as part of the class of ‘55.
After graduating RMC, Lorne completed both his Mechanical and Electrical Engineering degrees at the University of Toronto. This began his military career as an AERE officer at 4 Wing with 444 Squadron in Germany, kick-starting a 13 year long career in the RCAF. Lorne was posted to several locations including Toronto, Germany, Montreal, and La Macaza. He then retired from the military to pursue a career in the private sector focused on Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, becoming one of Canada’s experts on small boilers. In 1972, Lorne completed his Masters degree in Business Administration at Wayne State University in Michigan, when he and Sally lived in Sarnia.
Lorne met his wife Sally in 1953 in Sarnia, while still a young cadet at RMC. They married on 8 October 1955 in Sarnia, and last year celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Together, Lorne and Sally had three children: Shayne Lorree, Blaire Diane and Paul Jerome. From these children, Lorne and Sally gained nine grandchildren who fondly refer to Lorne as “Buppa”.
Lorne and Sally loved attending as many RMC and 444 Squadron alumni events as they could throughout the years. Many stories and life long friends were made during Lorne’s time in the military and during his time at RMC. When his granddaughter expressed interest in attending RMC, he quickly rose to the occasion to talk of his experiences and of the relationships he will forever cherish from the journey he took. Lorne’s experiences at RMC shaped the man he was up until his final day. He maintained his discipline, his loyalty and his honestly and was a perfect example of a gentlemen to everyone around him.
Lorne was predeceased by his son Paul Jerome, and survived by a large loving family including his wife Sally, daughters Shayne (Steve) and Blaire, daughter-in-law Samantha (Gary), extensive extended family, all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Lorne will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He was a father, a grandfather and a mentor to many. His light spirited nature and his great sense of humour were always a gift. His life impacted so many around him, his legacy will carry on in our hearts forever. A celebration of life will be held in of Guelph, Ontario later in the year, a date is yet to be determined. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice Wellington or Circle Home Furniture Bank.