Mr. Lorne Brett Parkin

Mr. Lorne Parkin of Sundre, Alberta passed away at the South Calgary Health Centre on April 19, 2021 at the age of 73 years. Lorne is survived by his children Darrin Parkin, Shawn Parkin, Christine (and Carl) Parkin; grandchildren Carlin, Brett, Sierra, Austin, and Macailla; siblings John (Carol), Hank, Ken (Sharon), George (Linda), Gertie (Rudy) and Mary. Lorne was predeceased by his parents Johanna and John Parkin; brothers Gary and Brian. Lorne impacted people throughout his colourful and adventurous life. A natural curious wanderer, he loved travel, aviation, prospecting for gold, and hitting the open road with his latest coffee mug that costed no less than $40. Lorne was a free spirit and a gentle one, gentle to a fault with a huge soft spot for animals. He loved his children and grandchildren and regardless of where his travels took him he always wound his way back into our lives. He was a musician and an artist and those who worked with him would remark that as a heavy equipment operator for 50 years, his exceptional abilities and skills on machinery (the hoe and the Cat dozer) were nothing less than artistic as well as legendary and he was sought after throughout his life for those skills. He worked throughout Alberta, BC, as well as the NWT. His love for aviation led him to be the founder and first president of the Rainbow Lake Flying Club, and of course provided many stories that came from those days. His love for gold prospecting took him to many places in BC including Atlin with Darrin one year where he provided his children with many unforgettable “Lorne” stories. Loving the open road it was not a surprise that he drove to Terrace, BC in December to spend a Christmas with Chrissy and Carl. A natural storyteller, he always entertained with his expressions and knack to tell tales that always revealed his sense of humour and eagerness to prank those he liked and certainly those he loved. The tables even turned one year when he and Shawn went to Vegas and then headed out one morning to see Hoover Dam. Both being hungover, Shawn was sent in to buy Dad his beloved Clamato juice. Shawn bought Habanero Clamato instead and Dad found his way to his knees in the ditch as a result. Lorne was very close to his sister Mary as she was the North Star in his life regardless of where his travels took him and Darrin, Christine and Shawn want to thank Aunt Mary for her deep love for Dad and for her place in his life. Wherever your travels take you now Dad, we want you to fly well. You brought something special into the world and we will always miss that unique quality that drew people to you. We are heartbroken but full as we say goodbye and until we perhaps meet one day again in the highlands of Scotland or under the glory of the Canadian Northern lights we will not forget those special qualities that made you who you were and we love you dearly. We want to thank Dr. Jonathan Somerville and Dad’s medical team in Sundre for their devoted care of Dad. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Keith Spackman, Dr. Brian Jensen and Dad’s health care team at the High River General Hospital in Unit 2W who made a wonderful connection with Dad. We also want to thank the amazing team at South Health Campus in Calgary and particularly Unit 66 for the excellent end of life care and symptom management. A special thank you to family friend Laurel who walked with us through Dad’s last hours by colouring them with dignity and love. Due to Dad’s extraordinary and uncanny experiences with wolves in the north, in lieu of flowers we invite people to make a charitable donation to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane as a tribute to our Dad. www.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com . Due to the current health restrictions no service will be held. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River, Alberta – 403.652.4242.

Tributes

Mr. Lorne Brett Parkin

February 11, 1948 - April 19, 2021