Lorne Wright

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Ernest “Lorne” Wright at the age of 93 at the MacGregor Care Home. Lorne was born October 16, 1932 to Albert and Nellie Wright in Lavenham, Manitoba.

In his early years he attended Clairmont school and after moving to Bagot with his family he attended Elsmith and Portage Collegiate.

As a young man Lorne worked with his brothers Harold and Glen for 4 years cutting logs in Timmins, Ontario. He then worked on the farm with Harold for 4 years.

On April 16, 1960 Lorne married the love of his life, Onalee Kelly. Together they purchased their first home and business in Bagot where Lorne hauled milk canisters 7 days a week to the Crescent Creamery in Portage. Eventually, Lorne and Onalee moved their house to the Kelly home farm where they raised their 3 sons Brian, Barry and Brent. For 7 years Lorne and Onalee milked cows with George and Margaret before taking over the dairy in 1967. The dairy was later passed down to Brent and Tracey and was sold on September 21, 1999.

Dad spent most of his life farming the land, working with cattle and in the dairy barn. Rising early everyday he built not only a livelihood, but a legacy rooted in hard work, resilience and caring for others. Farming was not his occupation, it was at the core of who he was.

As a young man Lorne loved to play ball and pitched for 5 years for the Portage Dodgers where he always embraced the camaraderie of teammates and made many lifelong friends. Dad also loved to curl. His greatest highlight was winning the Canadian Forester championship with his 3 boys in 1985. Something he still talked about. Later in life dad found that golf was another sport he enjoyed, whether it was golfing with his brothers or with his sons or grandson he just enjoyed spending time together on the course.

Lorne was such a gentleman who had the biggest heart and to anyone lucky enough to know him always enjoyed his company and visits. Lorne’s heart was as big as his presence, steady, warm and endlessly giving.

Lorne’s proudest accomplishment was his family, especially his boys. Nothing meant more to him than being a proud father and grandfather of whom he guided with patience and wisdom, always taking pride in each of their achievements and accomplishments. Dad was a devoted husband sharing a lifetime of partnership, laughter and unwavering support for mom for nearly 70 years. Together they built a home filled with warmth where simple moments mattered most.

In dads’ later years he found joy in the little things, especially gathering around the table for board games. Whether it was checkers, crokinole, dominos or a game of cribbage those moments were always filled with laughter, stories and connection. Dad also looked forward to planting his garden in the spring, doing corn sileage in the fall, playing a game of horseshoes or bocce ball, roasting hotdogs on the fire and simply enjoying a good rye and coke. Whatever brought his family together brought dad joy.

Dad also had many talents and hobbies. Specifically, both mom and dad made lapidary which consisted of cutting and polishing rocks which were picked at Souris during family camping trips and later made into beautiful jewelry which was sold at many markets around Manitoba. They also created beautiful resin lamps and other décor. There was very little that dad could not fix or build possessing many skills as a welder and woodworker.

He was also known for his ear wiggle and wink followed by a big grin and a chuckle.

After dad retired from milking cows he and mom enjoyed traveling throughout Manitoba in their motorhome to various campgrounds. But no place could compare to Ofty’s campground formerly TJ’s Landing where they spent more than 50 years camping and making endless memories and lifelong friendships. Mom and Dad also enjoyed numerous bus trips down south to Tennessee and Yellowstone.

Dad also came from a very musical family and was an incredible guitar player and vocalist. For 4 years he played at many dances with his brother Harold on the fiddle and Lorena Pogue on the piano.

Lorne will be lovingly remembered by his wife Onalee of 66 years, his three sons Brian (Connie), Barry (Teresa), Brent (Tracey), his grandchildren Candace (Arky), Chad (Nicole), Mackenzie (Kevin), Madison (Justin), Kara (Jamie), Randi (Nathan), and Hannah as well as his great-grandchildren Brooke and Beckem, Liv and Mikey.

Lorne was predeceased by his parents Albert and Nellie Wright, George and Margaret Kelly, Brothers Harold (Muriel) Glen (Vera), Sisters Dorothy and Ann.

Dad leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and gentleness that will live on in all that knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

It’s not goodbye but see you later and bye for now dad.

A private burial will take place, with a public celebration of life to take place at a later date.