Obituary for Lorne Howard Way
It is with profound sadness that the family of the late Lorne Howard Way announce his passing at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls on March 5th, 2023, at the age of 69. Lorne was a member of the United Church of Canada, an immense musical talent, and a patron of the arts.
Predeceased by Theresa Wheeler (fiancé - soul mate and love of his life); father Fredrick Benjamin Way; mother Ruby May Way; and brother David Bruce Way.
Left to mourn with fond, funny, and loving memories are siblings Russ Way of Regina, SK; Gary Way (Carolyn) of Wainwright, AB; Keith Way (Cora) of St. George’s, NL; Marie Morin (Darryl) of Forestburg, AB; Rhonda Shortall (John) of St. John’s, NL; sister-in-law Margaret Way of Grand Falls, NL, and a large circle of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
Lorne was born on May 14th, 1953, at the Lady Northcliffe hospital in Grand Falls NL, the third eldest of seven children. In his early years Lorne worked for Bonne Beverages in Grand Falls and spent a short time on the mainland with his brothers. During that time, Lorne took the opportunity to attend concerts of music greats such as Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, and Nazareth. Ultimately Lorne’s love of music, of Newfoundland, and specifically Grand Falls, brought him home, where he dedicated his life to music and the entertainment of others.
As a drummer Lorne excelled, and despite his modesty, he became widely known and highly respected for his immense skills of his chosen craft. Some would say, Lorne was “a bit of a Rock Star”, but for Lorne, it was all about the music, and those who came to see him play.
Lorne was seven years old when he started to play the drums, with a drum set in his bedroom and one often set up in the living room. His parents didn’t mind Lorne playing music, just where he was playing, but they never discouraged him either.
The first song Lorne learned was “I’m Henry the Eighth I Am”, by Herman’s Hermits. When Lorne was 13 years old, he was asked to fill in on the drums for his older brother Russ with Johnny French and his orchestra at the Elks Club. It was supposed to be for one night only, but they liked him so much they offered him every Friday night. Since he was only 13, he had to put his drum stool in the porch, which meant he had to drum in the door frame. He often said his elbows took a beating! It never discouraged him, and he went on to be the backbone of scores of bands over his 52-year career in music.
At heart, Lorne was a family man and a loyal friend, who fiercely loved his parents, siblings, and in later years his many nieces and nephews. He steadfastly loved his community, and all those in it. Lorne was one of a kind, purist of heart, thoughtful to a fault, and always a gentleman. Lorne lived his life on his terms, with clear convictions, integrity, and honesty. Lorne loved to tell a good joke, and he was a master of story telling. Lorne was loved by all who knew him, he touched many a heart, and left each and everyone with a story of their own to tell.
Lorne was one of the greats, and will always remain, one of the greats!
Donations in Lorne's memory can be made to MusicNL https://musicnl.ca/ or the Exploits Valley SPCA.
Visitation will take place from Central Funeral Homes Chapel in Grand Falls-Windsor on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.; and on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Rev. Kim Waite will conduct the funeral service from the Memorial United Church on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be live-streamed on the Memorial United Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064926542628
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kellye Waterman of Central Funeral Homes.
Family reception and celebration of Lorne’s life to be held at Kelly’s Pub following the service from 3:30 - 6pm. All are welcome.
Predeceased by Theresa Wheeler (fiancé - soul mate and love of his life); father Fredrick Benjamin Way; mother Ruby May Way; and brother David Bruce Way.
Left to mourn with fond, funny, and loving memories are siblings Russ Way of Regina, SK; Gary Way (Carolyn) of Wainwright, AB; Keith Way (Cora) of St. George’s, NL; Marie Morin (Darryl) of Forestburg, AB; Rhonda Shortall (John) of St. John’s, NL; sister-in-law Margaret Way of Grand Falls, NL, and a large circle of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
Lorne was born on May 14th, 1953, at the Lady Northcliffe hospital in Grand Falls NL, the third eldest of seven children. In his early years Lorne worked for Bonne Beverages in Grand Falls and spent a short time on the mainland with his brothers. During that time, Lorne took the opportunity to attend concerts of music greats such as Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, and Nazareth. Ultimately Lorne’s love of music, of Newfoundland, and specifically Grand Falls, brought him home, where he dedicated his life to music and the entertainment of others.
As a drummer Lorne excelled, and despite his modesty, he became widely known and highly respected for his immense skills of his chosen craft. Some would say, Lorne was “a bit of a Rock Star”, but for Lorne, it was all about the music, and those who came to see him play.
Lorne was seven years old when he started to play the drums, with a drum set in his bedroom and one often set up in the living room. His parents didn’t mind Lorne playing music, just where he was playing, but they never discouraged him either.
The first song Lorne learned was “I’m Henry the Eighth I Am”, by Herman’s Hermits. When Lorne was 13 years old, he was asked to fill in on the drums for his older brother Russ with Johnny French and his orchestra at the Elks Club. It was supposed to be for one night only, but they liked him so much they offered him every Friday night. Since he was only 13, he had to put his drum stool in the porch, which meant he had to drum in the door frame. He often said his elbows took a beating! It never discouraged him, and he went on to be the backbone of scores of bands over his 52-year career in music.
At heart, Lorne was a family man and a loyal friend, who fiercely loved his parents, siblings, and in later years his many nieces and nephews. He steadfastly loved his community, and all those in it. Lorne was one of a kind, purist of heart, thoughtful to a fault, and always a gentleman. Lorne lived his life on his terms, with clear convictions, integrity, and honesty. Lorne loved to tell a good joke, and he was a master of story telling. Lorne was loved by all who knew him, he touched many a heart, and left each and everyone with a story of their own to tell.
Lorne was one of the greats, and will always remain, one of the greats!
Donations in Lorne's memory can be made to MusicNL https://musicnl.ca/ or the Exploits Valley SPCA.
Visitation will take place from Central Funeral Homes Chapel in Grand Falls-Windsor on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.; and on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Rev. Kim Waite will conduct the funeral service from the Memorial United Church on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be live-streamed on the Memorial United Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064926542628
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kellye Waterman of Central Funeral Homes.
Family reception and celebration of Lorne’s life to be held at Kelly’s Pub following the service from 3:30 - 6pm. All are welcome.