Lori Sue Ebbesen

The amazing Lori S. Ebbesen, EdD of Saskatoon, crossed her final earthly finish line on Sunday, December 26th, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family. Lori was predeceased by her Dad, Ken Ebbesen (2017) and her Uncle Bill Shurniak (2020). Much loved daughter of Bess Ebbesen, treasured sister of Gayle Ebbesen and Michael Whorms, Kathleen and Kevin O’Leary and Barbara and David Riley, loving and ever-present Aunt (Tia) to Karlinna and Paige O’Leary, Gillian and Hilary Whorms and surrogate aunt to many, beloved cousin to Joan (John) and Bob (Norma) Donogh.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on November 29th, 1959, raised in Winnipeg and Oakville; this Prairie girl at heart returned to Saskatchewan where she worked and lived for the past 28 years. Lori was a fervent fan of the Rough Riders and shared this passion with her Dad and dear friend Jeff Campbell. Lori was known for her strong work ethic, her pursuit of excellence and her numerous academic achievements, which all led to an impressive career as a Research Facilitator at the University of Saskatchewan, an Independent Consultant, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Public Health Agency of Canada, and most recently an Independent Chairperson at Correctional Centres in Saskatchewan.

Lori was a gifted athlete and sports enthusiast who loved running and many early morning bike rides under the expansive Prairie sky. She competed in numerous marathons, triathlons, and was a 4-time Ironman competitor. Her passion for sport, ethical conduct, strong policy and governance led to her serving on the Board of Directors for Triathlon Canada and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Her active involvement in the sport of triathlon as a participant, coach and official, including through the Saskatchewan Triathlon Association, led to her induction in 2017 as a Triathlon Builder into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Lori’s desire to build community and to give back was evident by the tireless hours she volunteered: officiating numerous triathlons; as a cardiac rehabilitation specialist at the Fieldhouse at UofS; on the Biomedical and Animal Research Ethics Boards at UofS; and as a leader within the Citizen Advisory Committee movement for Correctional Services Canada.

Her love of academics, the arts and sport were inspiring. Lori’s pride came shining through at every graduation, convocation, concert, sporting and other events for loved ones. She will be forever remembered as a loving, supportive, giving, independent and caring aunt, sister, daughter and friend with great spunk and tenacity. Always striving to bring her best self and engage fully; a life well-lived.

Lori and her family sincerely thank cherished friends, many of whom wrote ‘love letters to Lori’ that were in her Christmas stocking. We also thank the caring staff at Royal University Hospital, Ross and Mourning Glory Funeral Homes, and the Shurniak Art Gallery. A private service was held at the Ross Funeral Chapel in Assiniboia, with Lori arriving ‘home’ by joining her dad and Uncle Bill in Hillcrest Cemetery, Limerick, SK. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lori are asked to please consider Take the Reins Fund through the Saskatoon Community Foundation or a charity of their choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Ebbesen family.