Obituaries

 

Lorne David Jones

Passed 07/18/2020

Text:

Obituary For Lorne David Jones

On July 18, 2020, Tim Horton’s Executives called an emergency meeting to brace for the impact of impending sales loss.

Lorne David Jones’ spirit released itself from his well-worn body. He simply snuck out for a smoke and let go of this earth. He was 81...or so people thought.

Lorne was the son of the late Cecil and Effie (Hann) Jones. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carol (Morgan); brother Cyril (Maunda) and sister Betty; son Paul (Edwin Whittle), daughter Shauna (Gerry LeBlanc) and grandchildren Morgan and Sophie LeBlanc and Lauren and Hannah Jones. He was predeceased by his siblings Guy, Wilson, Marie and Jane and his beloved daughter, Lorna Joann.

He was born in Millertown, Newfoundland on Christmas Day 1939. As quickly as he was able, he changed his government documents, and was officially born in 1938 so that he could obtain his Driver’s License a year early. So began his lifelong disdain for Government regulation.

Lorne was a man who lived life on his own terms. From a very young age, he worked in the forests as a guide, and on the rails for CN. He was even a personal guide for Johnny Cash. We were very starstruck by this, he was not. He called him, “the nice guy who sang country music and gave me a knife”.

In the early 1960’s he met his wife Carol and decided chasing her was worth leaving the woods for. He moved to St. John’s and went to work at the airport. He became a private pilot. He loved the aviation industry, working his way into management. He loved the excitement, he loved the machines and mostly, he loved the people. Except Harry. He didn’t like Harry.

They had three children. Lorna – his favorite – she was ambidextrous and had incredible memory for historical facts. She was his Buddy. He could not understand why the next two children, Paul and Shauna, didn’t turn out as well. He began a love/hate relationship with his family. He bought a camper trailer, and literally dragged them everywhere, in enormous eight-cylinder station wagons. Much to the delight of him and Lorna, with their matching sunglasses and vanilla ice creams, they dragged Mom and the other two kids thousands of miles. To every Provincial Park from Newfoundland to Ontario. Every gravel pit, fetching shoreline and natural wonder. Every family attraction from Niagara Falls, Santa’s Village, Woodleigh Replicas, to Giant Blueberries and Apples. They loved them all, posed for blurry photos and bought trinkets galore. Blackflies, mosquitos and bears – literally big black bears at the dump – did not deter them.

He made enormous sacrifices for his kids. Like wearing a scarf because he became a Cub Scout leader. Sacrificing his integrity as a softball referee, calling his daughter safe at first base when she really wasn’t, much to the chagrin of the opposing team.

Working for Eastern Provincial Airways moved the family to Gander, Newfoundland, and then to Dartmouth Nova Scotia in 1977. EPA eventually became Canadian Airlines, for whom he was a proud employee. He still didn’t like Harry. One of his prized possessions was his executive parking pass for the Halifax Airport. He maintained a space next to the front door of the terminal, until he retired from Air Canada. He was often asked ‘how he got to park there?’ but he has taken that secret to his grave.

He loved the traditional Newfoundland foods. Jig’s Dinner was his favorite, perhaps because big meals brought family and friends around the table. Any natural game, anything pickled or bottled, salt cod, salt fish, scrunchions, hard tack, and great servings of butter. His salt shaker was always close at hand. “It’s salt that puts the flavor on food!” he would declare. He loved vanilla ice cream, snow balls, black tea, tins of Vienna Sausages and never drank a full glass of water in his life. He hated unsalted food and chicken.

Medically speaking, the doctors had a hard time diagnosing his pancreatic cancer, unsure if his pancreas was pickled or brined.

Born on Christmas Day, he ever opined that he was cheated out of birthday gifts. He did not care for organized religion, but was spiritual in his own right. He was very in tune with nature, animals and the weather. In the last year, he trained a crow that he fed every day outside his home. In his younger days, he loved to hunt and fish, and as he grew older, he simply loved to go out into the woods for a “mug up”. Translation for the Mainlanders - that’s a day hike, boil a kettle for lunch with friends.

In his later years, Lorne’s attention shifted from his two disappointing kids (but not his buddy Lorna) to the next generation. He gave his granddaughters many gifts, including trips to the playgrounds of Nova Scotia (by this time in his smoke-free minivan) where he would always start with a personal inspection of the equipment to make sure some vandal had not had embedded glass in the hard steel slide. He ensured they received only the finest of the food groups - ice cream, chocolate and candy. He kept the fourth food group, salt, to himself. He shared his love for the outdoors with them, and taught them things he figured were essential for little girls to know, like how to make a slingshot and to whittle with a razor sharp knife. Volleyball became his spectator sport of choice, and for eight years, he was a fixture on the bleachers, never missing his granddaughter’s games. He had many loud and choice words for the referees. As the babies became young adults, he still expected hugs every time they came to visit, and never let them leave without I love you’s, a $20 bill in their pocket and his admonishment to “Watch out for the crazies”.

He stood up for people when they were down, or in need of his help. Because of this, he had some lifelong friends, who would attest to his character. He never minced words and was the least passive-aggressive person on the planet. He told you his opinion, even if it was unpopular. He was fair, and showed that by his willingness to see things differently, even as he grew older. He fired people that needed to be fired and stood beside those he thought needed a fair defense. It was nice to see how those honest friendships made his home a place where people still came to visit as his health deteriorated.

He never raised his voice (except maybe to the referees). Despite his stubbornness and cool exterior, he was glad for all those who took the time to stop by for a cup of tea. He would say, thank-you, for sharing your life with me.

So in Memory of Lorne, go now, and tell someone you’re going to stop by, and have a cup of tea.

In the words of Lorne… “That’d be nice.”

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Condolences

  • 08/09/2020

    Debbie Rushton

    Dear Carol , we are very Sorry to hear of Lorne's passing . We extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Lorne's kindness to myself , Diane and Margie is something we all remember well. Having you both for neighbours was always a pleasure . Lorne as always will be remembered fondly . Debbie and family.

  • 07/30/2020

    Mabel Cornelius

    To Carol , Paul & Family , so sad to hear of Lorne's passing . Our families have always been entwined from Mrs Morgan to Paul and I at Japan Camera ! Happy times when Boggie & I came to visit . Beautiful family .

  • 07/26/2020

    Janet Brown

    I am very sad to learn about Mr. Jones' (Lorne's) passing. When my family moved from Newfoundland to Dartmouth in 1986, we moved to the P-shaped Hannebury Drive, where we met the Jones family. I was 15 at the time, and recall being happy to learn that there were neighbors living down the street who were from my beloved Newfoundland. There was such a warmth and kindness that emanated from Lorne, and his quit wit with the thick Newfoundland accent was very comforting to me at a time when I was very homesick. I remember games of Balderdash, (he laughed at my definitions, or pretended to), and constant family exchanges of "pickled" jars of mysterious looking content. I remember one Halloween night in 1987 when all the grown ups congregated at the Jones' house for after hours drink and dance. My grandmother was visiting from Newfoundland at the time and Lorne came by and insisted she join in on the fun. He was so kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Jones (Carol), Paul, Shauna and your families. And I am sincere in saying that I will tell someone I'm going to stop by and have a cup of tea in memory of Mr. Jones, and to ensure that precious traditions like this are never lost.

  • 07/24/2020

    Bert Lambert

    So sorry to hear of Lorne's passing , I was at our cottage and Internet not available .Lorne was a super guy and will be missed by all .My condolences to the family. RIP my friend

  • 07/24/2020

    Gus Gallahue

    Just heard the sad news of Lorne,s passing , and my condolences Carol to you and the family. I knew Lorne many years , I think it was Commissary , EPA Gander we first met. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

  • 07/23/2020

    Jeanne Bannister

    Dear Carol. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers... Jeanne and David

  • 07/23/2020

    Bob Ferguson

    Carol, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Lorne was a great guy to work with over the years, liked by all, lots of laughs and good memories. Our thoughts are with you. Bob & Bernadette Ferguson

  • 07/23/2020

    Elaine Mason

    Our deepest sympathy Carol and Family Thoughts and prayers

  • 07/23/2020

    Dave Parker

    My condolences to the family and friends , "Jonsey" hired me with EPA in 1985 , I worked with him for several years , I will always remember his kindness and humor , I've thought of him often over the years ! A good man !

  • 07/22/2020

    Ruby Pretty

    Dear Carol and Family We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have such great memories of our young families together. Thinking of you all.

  • 07/22/2020

    Nancy Clarke

    I met Mr. Jones in August of 1978. I moved to Halifax to work for EPA. Mr. Jones was a funny, kind, and wonderful family man. My sincere condolences to the Jones Family. Nancy Clarke

  • 07/21/2020

    Ivy Peckford

    My deepest sympathy to Carol and the family. Lorne was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful gentleman whom I loved to work with at EPA/CAIL.

  • 07/21/2020

    Brian Goodmanson

    Condolences to the Jones Family....RIP Lorne....An Air Line Friend....

  • 07/21/2020

    Roy Freake

    To Carol and family... So sorry to hear of Loren's passing... We were great friends back in the EPA days... May he rest in peace...

  • 07/21/2020

    Otto Hart

    Carol & family So sorry to hear of Lorne's passing he was the worlds best boss and friend. He will surely be missed. RIP my friend

  • 07/21/2020

    Susan Newhook

    Condolences to the Jones family. May Lorne rest in peace.

  • 07/21/2020

    Melvin Price

    Sorry to hear about Lornes passing, worked with him at Canadian commissary for ten years, had some good laughs, and some good feeds, one of the best bosses I ever had, my condolences to the family, he will be missed, RIP, MY FRIEND.

  • 07/21/2020

    Peter stoffer

    Lorne was a great guy. He was very helpful in getting the waste reduction and recycling program under way at Canadian Airlines and then eventually the airport itself.. He was definitely one of a kind.My condolences to his family and friends Peter (Compost Peat) Stoffer

  • 07/21/2020

    Denny Mullins

    So sorry to hear of Lorne's passing. .....please accept my condolences. ....RIP my friend. .....Denny Mullins.

  • 07/21/2020

    Eddie Dwyer

    So sorry to hear of Lorns passing. He was a friend for many years. We shared a lot of laughs.RIP my friend. Condolences and prayers to the Families.

  • 07/21/2020

    Judy Braye

    What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man! My sincere condolences - He always had a story to tell or a lesson to teach you .. RIP Mr. Jones! xo

  • 07/21/2020

    Dave Boak

    What a wonderful testimony to an incredible man! My deepest condolences to the Jones family and All of his friends. Rest In Peace Lorne...

  • 07/21/2020

    Gerard McCarthy

    Carol & family ... so sorry to learn off Lorne's passing ... my most sincerest of condolences and kindest of regards to all at this sad time ... Gerard

  • 07/21/2020

    V &J Hopkinson

    Dearest Carol and family: John and I were deeply saddened upon hearing of Lorne's passing. Lorne will be missed by many on our Street as he waved and smiled to us all. Take care and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Victoria and John

  • 07/21/2020

    Scott MacKay

    Paul, old friend, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Stay strong, stay safe. Scott, YHZ TWR retired

  • 07/20/2020

    Sheryl Bergeron

    My condolences to your family. Paul I did not know your dad but he sounds like he was a great guy. I see why you are such a great man. Sorry for loss

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