June 22, 1929 - March 3, 2022
Lorne Mallory Miller passed away on March 3, 2022, at Waverly Seniors Village at age 92 years. He was born June 22, 1929, in Bracken Saskatchewan. Lorne is survived by his wife Betty Miller, children Lorna McKinnon and Karen Skalbeck, grandchildren Corrin Skalbeck, Shannon Bouchard, Deserai Kindred and Mya McKinnon, and great grandson Carter Kindred. He was predeceased by Maud & Gordon Miller, his sister Jean and brother Keith. A graveside service was held on March 8, 2022, at Chilliwack Cemeteries. Pallbearers included Rob and Lorna McKinnon and Shannon and Jay Bouchard.
In 1934 Lorne and his family moved from Bracken SK to Chilliwack BC, purchased an orchard farm, and developed that farmland into an area now known as Miller Drive. Lorne was a multifaceted man with many interests and talents. He started his career on the tugboats, fishing around the west coast of BC. Following that, he became a cook and baker at a camp in Kitimat. He then returned home to Chilliwack and continued baking for the Chilliwack Army Base Sergeants Mess Hall.
In 1952 Lorne met his wife Betty, on the bus, as they both made their way to work on the army base, and in 1953 they married. Lorne wanted a career change, so Lorne and Betty moved to Vancouver so Lorne could attend Vancouver Vocational Institute to complete an electrician program.
After graduating the program Lorne and Betty returned to Chilliwack. Lorne had an entrepreneurial and industrious spirit, and partnered with Art Timmers to create Miller and Timmers Appliance Repair and Service LTD. A few years later they sold their business and Lorne went on to work at York Farms as an electrician and purchased the Vedder Laundromat. The laundromat was truly a family run business, where all family members, including children, grandchildren and spouses worked and played. Lorne also partnered with his daughter Karen's spouse, Gary Skalbeck to form G&L Appliances.
Lorne was an active member in the community who found joy and purpose in humanitarian work. He held a life membership with the International Association of Lions Clubs, was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Cultus Lake Memorial Church. Lorne was a man of integrity who had a commanding presence---you always knew when he was in the room and could identify him by the roar of his laughter.
Lorne was a family man, who cherished spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was the first person to lend a hand, give a ride, or build playhouse if needed. Lorne devoted his summers to taking his children and grandchildren on family camping vacations and spent 15 winters in Arizona soaking up the sun. Lorne drove everywhere he travelled to-- he loved a good road trip.
Lorne was a skilled carpenter who built his own home on Miller drive; a home in which his family still lives at today. Lorne was a dapper fellow, who took pride in his appearance and made an effort to always look proper. He was a talented gardener who tended to his rose bushes diligently, and a dog lover who valued canine companionship.
Lorne will be deeply missed and will be remembered as a man who loved to laugh and tell stories around the dinner table with family and friends.