Lorne Van De Kerckhove

Lorne Van De Kerckhove

After a courageous battle with cancer with his family at his side, Lorne closed the book on a long life well lived on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at the age of 71.

Predeceased by his parents Theophile and Margeret Van De Kerckhove; his parents-in-law Theophile and Maria Baete; and his brothers Albert and Gerard.

Lorne leaves behind his wife Rose of 50 years, daughter Betty-Anne (Dennis) Van Damme, sons Fred (Dianne), Brian (Irene), Douglas (June) and daughter Janice (Gerry) Plaisier, grandchildren: Crystal Van Damme, Jordyn, Darcy, Brandi, Vanessa, Amanda, Melissa, and Samantha Van De Kerckhove and Janelle, Jevranne and George Martel; great-granddaughters Molly and Emma.  He also leaves to mourn 4 brothers:  Caesar (Emelda), Richard (Alice), Oscar (Marie) and George (Doreen), and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Lorne was born on January 13, 1933 in Swan Lake, Mb.  Dad and Mom farmed at Somerset until they moved into town in 2001.  Dad taught us how to work hard and play hard.  He took pride in entering the family (farmers) bonspiel with all of us kids.  Dad loved to Belgian bowl and was known to convince Mom to host several Bowlings on the farm yard.  He was known to take in his share in "bonspiels" and to play cards whether it was bien, whist or crib.  He was known for playing for a "quarter" at the pool table. Dad's face lit up for his grandchildren and asked about them even in his darkest hours.  The grandchildren remember Grandpa taking them for sleigh rides or letting them ride with him on the lawn mower.

It was often said that "old faithful" brought him home many times and we believe Old Faithful has taken him home for the last time.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Notre Dame de la  Nativite Roman Catholic Church, in Somerset, Manitoba on Saturday May 22, 2004 at 1 p.m. with Father Celestin Malengu Mubaya officiating.  Interment in the Parish Cemetery.  Urn Bearer will be Darcy Van De Kerckhove and Flower Bearer will be George Martel.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Lorne's memory to the Boundary Trails Hospital

Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.