Goodbye, My Brother
 

I think I have mentioned in the past I was the youngest in a family of seven brothers and three sisters. Because of the age spread,, there are a couple of decades from the first to last.
On Thursday we lost another one. His health had not been good (COPD). Lorne had never been able to leave home, due likely to birth complications, which affected mental development. My siblings at one time were asking, "what will we do about Lorne?" But as our parents grew into their 90s, our brother was able to look after daily chores and the words changed to "What would we do without Lorne?" His presence and ability allowed them to live in their home until their natural ends.
After our parents passed in '97 and 2000, there was money set aside for his needs. He moved into a seniors' apartment for 20 years, then into a care home where he flourished.
As the rest of my brothers had joined the RCAF, and were stationed all over, Lorne was the one I grew closest to. I'm not sure he ever forgot anything. He had a phenomenal memory for people, times and places. About a week before he died, he gave me a call and we laughed like the fools we are about family things and funny things.
Wednesday I will make the trip to the home community for the internment.
Lorne's simple wisdom will be part of my life forever. He worried about very little. Probably this is why he lived to 91. ( On the other hand, I have twin siblings who are 92.)
He asked to be cremated with the shirt he is wearing in this picture. Probably wise.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1729458056.jpg

Goodbye, my brother.

Best
Les

That was a nice tribute ....

Be well Les .... and well done ... everyone

RIP Lorne ... you made a difference :)

RIP Lorne.

My deepest condolences, Les.

It seems Lorne was an enormous blessing to your family.

Lorne was a good guy!

Sweet tribute to your brother, Les.

I am sorry for your loss.

I’m sorry for your loss. RIP Lorne.

Wonderful post, Les.

Love the shirt once I magnified the photo!

This made me smile. Glad he lived fully.

may his memory be a blessing

Sorry for your loss . Rest in the knowledge he had a good run and you had a good relationship .

Hell of a tribute to Lorne, Les. My condolences brother. Safe travels & Godspeed to Lorne......Baz

Les,
Thanks for sharing what your brother meant to you and your family. He seems to have been a man at peace with joy in his heart.
Billiam

What a wonderful tribute to an outstanding man.

Beautiful words Les. My condolences. May Lorne rest in peace.

May Lorne RIP...his job here was done.

Condolences. You were lucky to have each other.

A touching tribute. Sounds like a good man, you have my condolences.
I saw something that stuck with me about siblings and their funerals… one of the siblings will attend all of them, one of them won’t attend any.
Take each day for the blessing it is.

You have my condolences. rest in Peace Lorne.

Bump .... I just had to read Les's tribute to Lorne again ... it's gonna be a good day and Lorne is still smiling :)

That demonstrates his sense of humor.

You have my sympathies. May he rest in peace.