Obituaries

PAMPLIN, Lorne Cyril

Lorne Pamplin (August 28,1935 to February 16, 2025

Lorne lived a full and healthy life to the end, passing away suddenly at the age of 89 (and a half). He was gentle-natured and kind, loyal and loving, curious and thoughtful, and was always game to take a risk, try new things and have some fun. A happy guy, he laughed often.

Born Lorne Cyril Ellaby, he was the beloved son of Doreen Summers and Cyril Ellaby. Lorne was not yet two when his father was fatally injured in a diving accident. He was later adopted by stepfather, Syd Pamplin. Family was very important to Lorne. It was in elementary school where he met Pat, the love of his life. Fiercely devoted to one another, they married in 1955 and shared 61 incredible years together. Lorne was a devoted dad to Toni, Lori, and Ken (Chrissy), and a loving grandpa (a.k.a. Grumpa) to Jessi and Grayson. Even in adulthood, the family was lucky to spend a lot of quality time together and knew that Lorne always had their backs.

From his early days delivering papers, Lorne was ambitious and took chances to build a better future for himself and his family. He learned various trades and soon after owned and operated a plumbing and heating company in Calgary while also supporting Pat as she opened and ran Sunshine Health Foods in Chinook Centre with her sister Linda and Norman Cornell. The Okanagan Valley called to the four of them. They built and managed the first Smitty’s Pancake House in Kelowna. Later, Pat and Lorne went on to own and operate Smitty’s Westbank and partnered in a third family restaurant in Grande Prairie.

Always active, Lorne excelled in sports from an early age. As an adult, Lorne played baseball, enjoyed golf and bowling, and was an avid hockey player. He was a sought after goalie until his mid-sixties when two new hips forced him to lay down his stick. He then picked up his golf clubs which he used year-round with his buddies in Kelowna and Palm Desert.

Lorne lived with integrity. His sense of humour, compassion, and common sense made him someone you wanted to spend time with. He was full of advice: always back in so you are ready to drive away, eat vegetables every chance you get, be honest, work hard, enjoy happy hour, and always hang the toilet paper so it flows from the top like a waterfall. Lorne was informed. He listened to both sides of an argument with an open mind and loved to engage. He was grateful for his amazing group of friends that were forever sharing meals and special events that included much laughter and many costume changes, fireworks, games of canasta, and trips to the casino.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children and grandchildren, brother Ted (Rita) Pamplin, the large Carvell clan, sister-in-law Linda Baxter, cousin Irene Holman and their families, as well as his many friends. Lorne was predeceased by his wife Patricia (nee Carvell), his parents, uncles Den and Ray Summers, in-laws Edward Carvell and Mary Klein (nee Auld), Aunt Grace (Owen) Sawyer, brother and sister-in-law Tom and Mary Carvell, brother-in-law Tom Baxter, niece Chris Judd, and nephew Ian Robertson

Condolence Messages

Mar 17, 2025
My wife Stephanie and I had the pleasure of meeting Lorne when he lived at Summerwood in Kelowna. We enjoyed many meals with him along with my father-in-law, to whom Lorne was a great friend. Lorne was a wonderful man with a gentle spirit and he will be sadly missed. - Ron Ford
Mar 16, 2025
So sorry to hear of Lorne passing he was a good friend and team mate on the Westside Grizzlies Oldtimer's hockey team

Jim Jones - jim jones
Mar 15, 2025
Dear Pamplin Family

I had the privilege of knowing Lorne and Pat for many years and truly appreciated the goodness of these individuals. We are very sad for Lorne's passing and will miss him dearly. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Sincerely,

Dr G Swetlikoff and Staff at KNC - Dr. G Swetlikoff
Mar 15, 2025
To the Pamplin Family. So sorry to hear about Lorne. Lots of great memories of old time Grizzly hockey games and tournaments. So much fun. Aways enjoyed Lorne and Pat, absolutely great people. Our sincere condolences to all of you. - Don and Sheila Kennedy
Mar 14, 2025
Lori and family

My sincerest condolences on the passing of your wonderful father; he and pat were my favorite parents growing up in Rutland.

Smittys was like second home for many years.

He truly a special man.

Geoffrey S. Murray - Geoffrey S. Murray
Mar 14, 2025
Lovely job guys! Thank you. Your lovely Dad to a T. To be forever missed by his devoted brother.

Ted Rita Darryl Lisa and families - Rita Pamplin
Mar 14, 2025
Sending our deepest condolences to all that know and love Lorne.

Sincerely The Lucyk Family. - Lance Lucyk.
Mar 14, 2025
So sorry for you family’s loss. Thinking of you Lori. Cindy martin(Draper) - Cindy martin (Draper)
Mar 14, 2025
We are sorry to hear of Lorne passing !played lots of hockey with him for the westside grizzlies! - NOBBY Gen Wildemann
Mar 14, 2025
Lori and family.

What a wonderful tribute to your father !

He was indeed everything you said he was in my brief experience with them. A very kind soul and a gentleman.

God be with you as you mourn his loss yet celebrate a life very well lived.

- Roma Niessen
Mar 14, 2025
Susan and I fondly remember Lorne from our Oldtimer’s (Westside Grizzlies)hockey games and especially tournaments and road trips

You were a “trier “ and a great teammate

.Rob and Susan LeGuilloux - Rob LeGUilloux
Mar 14, 2025
Lori & Family! What a great person! I had the honour to not only eat breakfasts at The Pamplin-Smitty's Restaurant occasionally but also was a respected admirer of Lorne as an awesome Goaltender/Teammate with us on Friday NHL (Noon Hour Hockey) at Memorial Arena! He was a true Gentleman and always came prepared to puck-stop with a smile/grin on his face! Oh, and did I say, 'Lorne could always be relied upon to show up each and every game without fail and literally, frequently, stonewall the opposition! Athletically and personality-wise, 11/10! A great teammate & True Friend who will be missed and fondly thought of!

Respectfully,

Dave C. - Mr. C.
Mar 14, 2025
Ken and family,

Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember him fondly cheering us kids on at the rink and soccer sidelines. May the many great memories live in your hearts and help you through this difficult time. Rest in Peace Mr. Pamplin.

Dino & Karen Zol - Dino Zol