Lorne Kenneth Loomer: father, grandfather, friend, artist, teacher, mentor, athlete, Olympic gold medalist and exceptional human, died at the age of 79 on New Year’s Day, 2017.
An honoured Olympian and former Nelson B.C. resident, Lorne grew up in the city of Nelson where his father was a school teacher and Principal. Lorne graduated with a degree in Pharmacy from UBC. While at university he became a member of the UBC-VRC rowing program, and as a member of the four oar crew won the first ever rowing Olympic gold medal for Canada in the 1956 Olympic Games held in Melbourne Australia. He and his team mates also set a world record at the Olympic time trials which remained unbroken until 1986. Along with his fellow crew, he was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame, and the UBC Sports Hall of Fame. He remained life-long friends with his rowing team mates.
A granite boulder bearing a plaque honoring Lorne’s achievements is placed near the Nelson Rowing Club overlooking Kootenay Lake.
Predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, Lorne is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his daughters Lise-Lotte (Tereus), Anne-Lise (Darren), his grandchildren Chloe, Ilse, Nouria, Magnus and by his many friends. In addition to his Olympic achievements he shared his passion for rowing as the University of Victoris’s first-ever rowing coach. He was an accomplished artist and taught cedar brush techniques at the Metchosin International Summer School of the arts for many years. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and gentleness. In lieu of flowers, please honour Lorne with a donation to the UVIC rowing program or the Victoria Hospice. A celebration of his life will take place at the Emmanuel Baptist Church on Cedar Hill X Road, January 21, 2017 at 2pm.