Lorne Douglas Wailing

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023 our world changed forever as we said goodbye to a husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Lorne Douglas Wailing was born on July 29, 1945 to Gordon and Evelyn Wailing of the Young District. Lorne was the eldest of four children.

In his early years, his family lived in the Favourite School District, south of Young, until moving into the Town of Young when Lorne was half way through Grade 1. Lorne attended school there until after Grade 11, when he quit school to pursue work.

Lorne was a jack of all trades. His earliest job was during his school years, where he was a local paper boy, delivering the Star Phoenix; he took great pride in delivering the paper and visiting with all those on his route. After he left school, he undertook such jobs as working with Department of Highways, hauling grain and cattle, delivering propane and eventually buying a propane business, and general contracting. Lorne settled on general contracting for the bulk of his work life; he built circular grain bins, did concrete work, constructed farm buildings, renovated and built homes. Going through the Town of Young, most of the homes in the community Lorne had worked in. Lorne proudly built the family home, where he and his wife Mary Anne, raised their four children. Lorne also built the family cabin at Meeting Lake, where the family enjoyed Christmas and Easter time, and summer holidays.

There was no one that worked as hard as Lorne, he had a work ethic unparalleled to others. He believed no job was worth doing, if it wasn’t done right. Lorne had high expectations of others that worked for him, but none higher than he had of himself. Lorne respected his workers, and treated them all well; many of his workers became good friends over the years, and were often brought back home with him for meals, after work drinks and visits.

Lorne’s children all had the opportunity to learn his trade from him, and general common sense know-how. He was often a sounding board for his children as they undertook various projects, needing guidance or his expertise. Much of what his children know, they learned from him – both in terms of working knowledge, but also work ethic, respect and character.

Those fortunate enough to know Lorne, knew what a truly wonderful person he was. He invited all walks of life into his home and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He crossed paths with many people throughout his years, and his memory for recollecting names and events was remarkable. He was a fabulous story teller, often providing the entertainment for any visit to the family home. He loved a good laugh or a good prank; he played many over the years.

Lorne loved to play games, play the lottery, go to auction sales, fish, play cards, cook and bake, garden, dance and spend time with family and friends. He loved good food, good drinks and good company. His greatest joy in his life was undoubtedly his wife, Mary Anne, his children and his six grandchildren who he was immensely proud of, and enjoyed having at the farm whenever he could.

Lorne is survived by his best friend, loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Anne, son Sean (Shelley), son Ryan (Melanie), daughter Roxanne (Travis) and his six grandchildren: Meadow and Owen Wailing; Camden and Presley Wailing; Skye and Ryker Harriman. Lorne was predeceased by his son (Rodney), his parents, his parent-in-laws (Tony and Magdalena Schaan) and brother (Dennis).

Lorne’s family will fondly remember him for his charismatic nature, his genuine heart and all the love and sacrifices he extended to them over the years.

A Graveside Service for Lorne will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Young Cemetery in Young, Saskatchewan. Following the service, the family have asked you join them at the family farm for a time of fellowship and sharing of memories.