Obituary of Lorne McQueen

1925-2011 Lorne, a long-time resident of Chetwynd, passed away on Friday, January 28th, 2011, at The Manor in Dawson Creek at the age of 85. Lorne was born in Stephenfield, Manitoba, on May 21, 1925. He was the second of three children born to Robert and Helen McQueen. His older brother, Bob, still lives in Texas and his younger sister, Muriel, lives in Victoria. The McQueen family moved to the Dawson Creek area in 1928. Lorne would grow and develop into a man who left a good impression with most people and, more often, a legacy to communities, through his hard work and commitment to improve the lifestyle for many. During his schooling years, he attended Central School where he received many penmanship awards as well as certificates for his athletic abilities. He did, however, repeat Grade 1. As he told it, he wasn’t all that well-behaved so the teacher would have him stay at her side while she was writing on the blackboard. His Uncle Henry had taught him to draw "naughty” pictures so he would entertain himself by drawing them on the board while his teacher was busy. He said that she would just reach down and rub them off with the eraser and carry on. About 1941, one of Lorne’s first jobs was, with his father, hauling fuel, logs, even nitro, during the construction phase of the Alaska Highway. He told many stories of what it was like back then. In 1946 he started with the Government in the Ministry of Public Works in Pouce Coupe. This was also the year that he married Ina Doonan, and, where they started their family. Two of their first girls were born in Pouce Coupe, Audrey in 1947 and Ardith in 1948. They would go on to have three more girls – Judy, born in Dawson Creek in 1950, Lorna, born in Vanderhoof in 1955 and Tracy, born in Pouce Coupe in 1962. Tracy will say that they stopped there because they finally got it right. His career with the Forest Service began on April 15, 1947, as a Patrolman in Pouce Coupe, earning the big money -- $100 per month. A year later he became an Assistant Ranger in Pouce Coupe. Lorne attended Ranger School in 1950 and 1951 . His first Ranger District was Fort St John. In the Fall of 1954 he was transferred to Fort Fraser. In 1959 he transferred to Chetwynd where he continued to work until retirement in 1981. Upon retirement, he went back to his roots – farming. Lorne and Ina purchased the Bob McDonough farm and raised Registered Polled Hereford cattle and a few good saddle horses. Much later, they moved from the farm to live in a suite with daughter, Lorna, and Bob. Lorne loved music, flying, curling and was an avid hunter. He could play any instrument but a woodwind and all by ear. He started playing the violin at a very early age with his father, uncles and aunts in the McQueen Orchestra. They played for many benefit dances during the war years. Later on, if there were a couple of other people who could play old-time music, he wouldn’t hesitate to get out his violin. There may even be some here today who can remember dancing to his music in the old community hall. You just had to sing, hum or whistle a song and he would play it for you on the violin or guitar and even take a stab at playing it on the piano or accordian. We all spent many hours throughout the years listening to him play. If you watched him, his mouth would move when he had to hit a hard note and it was because he originally started playing music on a mouthorgan. Funny, the little things you remember about somebody. Curling was an important part of Lorne’s life. While living in Fort Fraser, he organized a curling club and, under his leadership, volunteers built the first curling rink in that community in 1955. Again, in Chetwynd, he was instrumental in organizing a club and volunteers to build the original curling rink and, because of his continued dedication, was chosen to throw the first rock in the new curling rink on December 8, 1973, which was a button shot. Lorne loved to fly and had many opportunities to fly in planes and helicopters through his work with the Forest Service. This, however, wasn’t quite enough. He got together with people like Clayton Collins, Bob Nicholson and Bert Chatham and, with many other volunteers, built the airstrip in Chetwynd. They went on to organize a flying club and purchased an airplane for the club pilots. Again, not enough…..he wanted his own plane. After much persuasion, Ina said he could have one if he didn’t fly it any further than she rode her horse. Lorne took that as a "yes” and purchased a Cessena 140. This was his pride and joy for a number of years. If any of the girls asked Ina where he was they received a swat for asking a stupid question…..he was at the airport. In 1978, the BC Aviation Council named Lorne "Chetwynd’s Mr Aviation” and awarded him the Bill Templeton Trophy. The paved airstrip was officially opened on May 6, 1979. The first plane to land was piloted by Lorne and Clayton Collins with passengers, Mayor Charlie Lasser and MLA Don Phillips. Lorne also received recognition for serving 10 years as School Board Trustee for School District 59 – for this, he was named Citizen of the Year in 1971. He also played important roles in getting Windrem and Don Titus Schools built as well as the Chetwynd Hospital. Yes, Lorne contributed much to many and he will be missed by his family, friends and all those he came in contact with throughout his 85 years. He will be especially missed by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lorne loved spending time with the youngsters. Rest well, Lorne, you’ve earned it.