1939 – 2024
Mr. Lawrence ‘Lorne’ Alvin Gerrard passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
He was born in Innisfail, Alberta on September 2, 1939, to Verna nee Peterson and Sandy Gerrard. Lorne was raised on the farm out at Knee Hill Valley with his seven siblings and enjoyed working on the farm. In 1969, he married Sandra Krause, and they had a daughter Tammy and eighteen months later their son Mike was born. They lived on their own farm until 1977 and then moved to Innisfail, Alberta .
Lorne had a variety of careers over the years and was a successful entrepreneur. He was a self-taught mechanic, welder, inventor, designer and fabricated many items over the years. He loved to collect rocks and was famous for handing out rocks to everyone he knew. He loved children and animals and with his gentle nature, animals and kids naturally gravitated towards him. Lorne also loved John Deere’s,vintage cars and all kinds of machinery. Lorne had the ability to light up any room he went into. Lorne made friends easily and loved to have coffee.
He faced a lot of health challenges in his life and faced each new challenge with positivity and hope. His legacy to his wife, kids and grandkids is a roadmap on how to live life well. He worked hard and led by example. Lorne was kind, gentle, honest, patient, strong and an eternal optimist.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty-four years, Sandra, his daughter Tammy (Jamie), and their children, Colin, Kati (Shawn) and Jenna, his son, Mike (Brenda) and their children, Sarah (Matt) and Tyson (Sammi). He is deeply missed by his siblings and many nieces and nephews and extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents Verna and Sandy, his sister Melva, brother in law’s Bob Gibbons and Maurice Thomas and his cherished dogs Muffin and Buddy.
A Come and Go Memorial Tea was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 104, 5108 49 Avenue, Innisfail, Alberta on Friday, January 26, 2024. If desired Memorial Donations in Lawrence’s honor may be made to the Humane Society at www.cahumane.com, the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
