Lorne A. Whetstone

Lorne A. Whetstone. November 22, 1927 – September 11, 2025 passed away peacefully at Simcoe Manor, Beeton.

Lorne is survived by his wife of 76 years, Jeane (Ferguson). Loving Father of Heather, Brian, (Shirley), Karen (Richard), Nancy (Tim) and Philip (Laureen). Beloved grandfather of Scott (Heather), Melissa (Chris), Brian T., Kim (Hans), Riley (Lisa), Spencer (Lauren), Meg (Stefan), Isobel, Olivia and Jack. Proud great-grandfather of Elsie, Heath, Sloane, Paige, Charlotte and Penny. Predeceased by his brother, Murray.

Lorne was born at home, in Mimico, on November 22, 1927. He loved to tell stories of delivering meat, newspapers and prescriptions for the local businesses, on his bike. Lorne worked at different occupations, but his love of gardening and care for the land was his greatest passion. His job before retiring was as the Estate Manager for Walter Gordon, the Minister of Finance during the Lester Pearson government.

In grade one, he met Jeane and they spent their elementary school years at John English School. High school took them apart, but fate reunited them one night at a dance and the rest is history. They were married on June 3, 1949 in Toronto and eventually settled with three children, in Nashville, Ontario where two more children were born.

During their marriage, Lorne and Jeane travelled to Israel several times, Vienna for their 40th wedding anniversary (Lorne’s surprise), Ireland and enjoyed river cruises, making new acquaintances everywhere they went. Eventually they bought a cottage in Muskoka where he canoed and boated on a regular basis with a dog onboard, regardless of the method of floating.

Over Lorne’s long life he had many dogs and loved telling stories about all the tricks he taught them. From his first dog, Ginger who would climb a ladder and Jo who was taught to play hide and seek searching for Lorne and his brother; never stopping until she found both boys to his last dog, Mitzi who always waved goodbye. Over the years he took in strays, brought puppies home and never said no if a dog wandered into our yard. They were a testament to his patience and dedication in their training and provided a source of great comfort for him.

Friends would marvel at his enthusiasm and discipline with physical exercising which he did until a few months, before his passing. A memorable ATV camping trip was a trek into Smudge Lake with Philip who acknowledged Lorne’s excellent off-road skills. He was on his second machine at that time (age 70+) and by the time they reached their destination, it was well past Lorne’s usual dinner time. “We’re off the clock”, they decided and by the time they set up camp, it was almost dark so they just hung out with the mosquitoes.

Other hobbies included camping, rug hooking, ATVing, crossword puzzles, curling, square dancing, bird watching and gardening. Summer was spent gardening four acres of vegetables and selling produce at local stores. His children fondly remember going to the Toronto Food Terminal to drop off baskets of vegetables (stamped with L.A. Whetstone, Nashville) and being treated to a Dairy Queen ice cream. His grandchildren recall learning how to play scrabble, cribbage, dominoes and Crokinole and rarely winning a game. Such were the lessons of life learned by his side.

Lorne was the Very Worshipful Brother and Past Master of the True Blue Lodge AF & AM, No.98, Bolton and was invested with his Grand Lodge Regalia as Grand Steward in 1983. He was also the Past Patron of Valley Chapter Caledon East, Order of the Eastern Star.

Music was a big part of Lorne’s life, too. From early beginnings with the Toronto Philharmonic Choir to church choirs, the MacGillvray Men’s choir, the York Region Police Chorus and learning to play the organ after turning the age of 40, there was always a piece of music on the piano. Sunday nights at home, were spent around the piano, singing, playing show tunes or practicing harmony.

Lorne’s family would like to thank the staff at Simcoe Manor, Innisfil unit for the care and support they showed him during his time there. Lorne was surrounded by caring, happy people and thrived on conversation and good stories.

A service to say goodbye will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com

In Lorne’s memory, donations can be made to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.