LAWRENCE (LORNE) SIMPSON HYDE

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LAWRENCE (LORNE) SIMPSON HYDE

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Lorne passed peacefully with his loving wife, Wanda, by his side.
Lorne was born July 31, 1935, in Fort William, Ontario to Edward and Elizabeth Hyde (nee Simpson). Sadly, both his parents died when he was just seven, leaving he and his brother to be raised by relatives. When he was 16, he had to earn his own way and apprenticed with the CNR, eventually being transferred to Winnipeg. He worked 36 years, retiring in 1990 from the Transcona Shops. He often said that "retirement at 55 was the best decision I ever made".
In 1960 he married (Mavis) Arlene Ford, and became part of an extended, loving family. Their family was complete with the births of Heather and David. Tragically, Arlene died in 1978, however, Lorne met the challenge of single parenthood with grace and determination.
Lorne was a natural athlete who enjoyed many years of cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling, canoeing, and kayaking. He was a long time member of Nature Manitoba and the 'Grey Hares'. He led trips, served on the Board, and chaired the Mantario Committee. He used his skills to enhance the Victoria Beach cottage and the Mantario cabin. It was at a Nature Manitoba event where he met his second wife, Wanda. They were married in 1980.
In 2002, Lorne and Wanda joined the Prairie Pathfinders Walking Club. They participated in many urban and rural walks but Lorne, as usual, did more. He happily assisted the leaders in checking out trails and anything else that they required. One country trail has an outhouse because of his talents! Lorne cared deeply about the environment and animals and spent some years working with the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre formerly located at Glenlea, now at Ile des Chenes.
Lorne was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. His interests and talents were far ranging. He was a lover of poetry, a carpenter, plumber, electrician, craftsman and could fly a plane. He built and refinished furniture, designed pet enclosures, made bird houses, and created works of art. He took great joy and pride in the cottage he built and in finishing the lower level of his home. Many happy hours were spent in his workshops.
Lorne and Wanda shared a passion for travel and enjoyed Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii, Europe, Great Britain, the United States and Canada. Winters in Florida and Arizona and summers at their cottage near Riding Mountain National Park were special times. When not travelling or at the cottage, they enjoyed ballroom dancing and were members of the Westview Dance Club.
Lorne was also a long time member of the Masonic Order and a Past Master of Millennium Lodge 182, A.F. & A.M.
Lorne was a loyal and dependable friend to many. If something needed to be done, Lorne was the first to volunteer and didn't quit until the task was completed. One of the places he demonstrated that trait was at the South Ditch Lake Co-op where he sat on the Board, did maintenance tasks, put in signs and built benches.
Life was not always easy for Lorne, however, he always saw the best in people and maintained a positive attitude no matter the circumstances. We are so grateful that his 'golden years' were overflowing with family and friends, filled with adventures, and surrounded by nature.
His family meant everything to him and he loved them all dearly. He will be forever missed by his wife Wanda; daughter Heather and her husband Gordon Ferguson; son David; grandchildren, Kyla Ferguson, her husband Aaron Pridham, and Graeme Ferguson; brother Robert and his wife Maxine Hyde; sister-in-law Donna and her husband Greg Rigaux, as well as extended family.
In Lorne's honour and memory, a donation may be made to the Lawrence and Wanda (Wilkinson) Hyde fund at the Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 - One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3. This charity funds projects that support "environmental protection and animal welfare".
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Lorne's life will be held when possible.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020