Conley, Lawrence (Lorne) Melvourne

Conley, Lawrence (Lorne) Melvourne
August 22, 1954 – April 19, 2020

Lawrence (Lorne) Melvourne Conley lost his courageous battle with cancer on April 21st 2020. He was born October 27th, 1935 in Bassano Hospital. In April, 1936 when Lorne was 6 months old – parents Lester & Emma, relocated their family to the homestead you all know affectionately as the CONLEY FARM, southeast of Hussar. Lorne eventually bought the family farm where he seeded & harvested 45 crops. Lorne loved the farm, not wanting to live anywhere else until age 82, when his health required him to move to the Lodge in Bassano. Lorne retired from farming in 1998, but still did not let go of his farm to this day. Lorne loved sitting on his deck and looking over his land. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather – affectionately known as Poppa to his grandchildren – as well as a great friend to all. Lorne began his school days at Adams Lake School, across the road from the family farm, then on to Hussar school, finishing grade 9 in Bassano, while he stayed with his Uncle Eph and Aunt Molly. Some of his fond historical stories were seeing the Diefenbaker’s motorcade for the opening of the Trans Canada highway, and King George and Queen Elizabeth in Bassano on the Royal Train Tour in 1939. Lorne was a friend to all, he loved having family and friends stop in wherever he was; farm, lake or lodge, all were welcome and appreciated, not to mention noted on his calendar. He was a gracious host and held many September long weekends at the farm for all that would come and several family reunions. He enjoyed taking his visitors to help him check crops – with a six pack. Lorne loved to tease, and he will always be remembered for his smile and laughter. Lorne is very proud of the car collection he has accumulated and he loved to tell the story of how purchased his first boat (the Pink Lady) from the Sears catalogue in the 50’s and how it was delivered to the farm, and this started his lifetime love of boating & cruising. Lorne & Lorraine purchased their Shuswap cabin in 1976, where they enjoyed many summers. With his last boat he enjoyed taking his daughters and friends skiing all summer long, and even pulling up 8 skiers at 1 time. Although the cabin is gone , his boat still lives on 39 years later fully restored, still going to the Shuswap and still enjoyed by all. He wasn’t sure why we wanted to keep it, but he jumped at the chance to take one last ride in the boat last year. Lorne & Lorraine loved to travel going on several cruises and holidays, and after Lorraine’s passing, he took all of his children on Princess Cruises. Lorne was a charter member of the Elks, committee member of the Hussar seed cleaning plant, and AMA member for over 60 years. He had a 50 year continuous AMA membership certificate, and AMA even phoned Lorne personally to apologize for not having stickers surpassing 60 year mark. They never had a member that long. Dad enjoyed Horseshoe tournaments and curling bonspiels. He was predeceased by his wife Charlotte Lorraine Conley (nee Casson); parents; siblings Norma, Joanne & Darryl. Survived by his loving family, daughter, Carilyn and Dennis Wallace with children Master Corporal Sheldon Combden of ONT and Martina of Calgary, Lana Conley & her daughter Cassidy Thiessen of Calgary, Janice and Cliff Koss and their children Steven and Sophia of Calgary, and special friend of 16 years, Linda Oickle. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Bassano Health Center, for their compassion and sincerity during Lorne’s stay. Because of the recent pandemic, we are limited to an immediate family only graveside service on Saturday April 25th. A public gathering will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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