Lorne Chura

Our dear father and brother, Lorne Chura, departed peacefully on August 21st, 2021 after a long life and a defiant, three-year battle with cancer.

Lorne was born in February, 1936 to George and Nellie Chura of Dauphin, the only son among four daughters. His father was builder and began taking Lorne to job-sites at an early age. Young Lorne was promptly promoted to mortar mixer by age six.

His father and uncle Jack set the standard for the ethic and values that drove Lorne in a life of service. With a broad education in construction from his father, Lorne’s skills took him to Flin Flon, Lynn Lake, Edmonton and the Northwest Territories. In 1954, the two launched Chura Plumbing & Heating in Dauphin, where Lorne would spend 67 years doing what he loved, helping anyone he could. Lorne worked hundreds of winter nights restoring heat so that no one would shiver in a freezing house. 

Lorne licensed as a plumber, gasfitter and air conditioning mechanic as a young man. However, he could certainly have qualified as a carpenter, stone mason, electrician, welder or machinist; all of the crafts that he knew well and loved. Craftsmanship in sheet metal fabrication became a trademark.

Though raised in Dauphin, Lorne had a strong connection to the farmland of Valley River, where his grandfather farmed from the turn of the century. Exposure to farming moved Lorne to buy and work his own farm in Valley River during the 1970’s, which son Glenn and family later took over and made their home.

Ever curious and seeking challenge, Lorne’s entrepreneurial spirit lead him to bring the first continuous eavestroughing to Dauphin, along with wrought iron railing fabrication, and swimming pool construction, all while building brick and stone fireplaces in his “spare” time. 

Lorne was a proud Freemason and member of the Vermillion Lodge. He served as Master of the Lodge from 2004 to 2006. Time spent with brothers of the Lodge became Lorne’s retreat and he was forever grateful for them.

Lorne’s work ethic was difficult to surpass, but he greatly inspired three sons, a grandson and granddaughter, and many apprentices, through his lifetime of service to others.  

In addition to a brilliant mechanical mind, Lorne was a man of great soul. He greatly admired Dauphin’s many heritage buildings, and proudly supported his friend and neighbour, Vern Watson, in Vern’s endeavour to establish the Watson Art Centre, after their unsuccessful effort to save the original Whitmore School. He was also strong voice in the original vision and organization for the Selo Ukraina, folk art centre. A generous nature defined his personality.

Lorne spent a lifetime with many cats and a couple of good dogs that kept him company and typically agreed with him when others wouldn’t. He found tremendous joy in animals of all sizes, and was a supporter and proponent of the Parkland Humane Society. Donations to their effort will be gratefully appreciated.

He lived his life in the southwest corner of Dauphin, just blocks from the house where he was born. With no interest in a typical retirement, Lorne remained active at his workbench well into 2021. Despite serious illness, he never lost his intent to work each day, even when the body objected.   

Lorne is survived by his three sons Glenn (Evelyn), Ted, and Neil, Grandson Dan, Granddaughter Candice, his sister Doreen Wanner, a few nieces and nephews, and five cats.

Our family is profoundly grateful for the care that we received through the many faces of Cancer Care Manitoba and Prairie Mountain Health. We are especially grateful for the care and attention that Lorne received in the Medicine and Palliative Care wards of the Dauphin Hospital, from an outstanding team of health care aides, nurses and doctors. Without these hard-working individuals our community’s health would be poorer, and they deserve our support. In memory of Lorne, please make time in your day to both, understand the workings of your local hospital, and remind those in power that you support it.

Funeral Service was held on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 10:00 am from St. George's Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Dauphin, MB  with Rev. Father Brent Kuzyk officiating.  Interment followed in Sts. Peter & Paul Valley River Farm Church Cemetery in Valley River, MB.  Pallbearers were Dan Chura, Ron Korzenowsky, Bob McLean, Don Seeley, Zenny Waroway, Mike Zarichny.

Vichnaya Pamyat

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