Lawrence "Lorne" Henry

It is with great sadness that the family of Lawrence (Lorne) Richard Orville Henry announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, May 5th, 2019 at Portage District General Hospital.

Lorne was born on the family farm on February 5th, 1933. He attended Hood School until the 6th grade, at which time his family moved into Portage la Prairie. It was important to his parents that their children received a formal education, and he later graduated from Portage Collegiate Institute. Farming was a life-long career and passion for Lorne, who also had a passion for engineering, as he enjoyed modifying equipment to optimize its performance. Aviation also held a strong interest for him, and he earned his private pilot licence at the Portage Flying Club in the mid '60s.

Lorne felt strongly about giving back to the agricultural industry, and invested many years volunteering with Keystone Agricultural Producers (previously Manitoba Farm Bureau), Canadian Standards Association, the Association of Irrigators of Manitoba and the Shellmouth Dam flood control committee. His knowledge and years of experience in flood mitigation saw him consulted by government departments overseeing these concerns, and he was presented a number of awards for his volunteer work.

Despite a busy schedule, Lorne was a very dedicated family man. He married “the most beautiful woman” and the love-of-his-life, Shirleen, in 1959. Along with being a devoted husband, he was always in attendance at events to support his children and grandchildren. It made no difference to him whether it was education related, or just a hobby (though he particularly enjoyed sports!), his family knew he would be present and his pride was impossible to miss. He volunteered many hours coaching hockey and it was evident to all how much he loved the game.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 60 years, Shirleen Henry (nee Hawker), children Dale (Teresa) Henry, Patti (Brian) Case, and Doug (Gwynne) Henry. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Ryan Henry, Sarah Henry, Kayla (Brian) Shewfelt, Kyle Case, Nick Henry and Jordan Henry. He was predeceased by parents Orville and Ruth (nee Gordon), brothers Douglas (Mary), and Jack (Louise).

Viewing and Visitation will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, May 20, 2019, at Trinity United Church, led by Rev. Beth Kerr. Private family interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Lorne's memory to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5 or Canadian Mental Health Association – Central Region, 236 Sask. Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K9.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021