Lorne Alvin Krochak
September 28th, 2015
With family at his side, Lorne passed away peacefully on September 28 at the Pasqua Hospital, following a lengthy illness, and battle with heart and liver disease, and alcoholism. Lorne will be lovingly remembered by his son Gerald (Jamie); cherished grandchildren Isla and Sascha; brother Mervin (Dolores); sisters Theresa (David) and Selma (Larry) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 47 years, Janice, in 2013; father Nick Krochak; mother Winnie; and sister, Karen. Lorne was born in Arran, Saskatchewan, where he spent his formative years on the family farm before graduating and moving onto short careers on the tobacco farms of Southwestern, Ontario and the nickel mines of Thompson, Manitoba.
Pursuing a lifelong passion for cars and trucks, Lorne received his auto body certificate from SIAST in Moose Jaw in the early ‘60s, and landed his first two jobs in a 50-year career in the automotive industry: First as a body man with Percival Mercury Ford, and then partnering and starting Queen City Auto Body in 1964 – an organization which is still going strong in 2015.
Lorne met the love of his life, Janice, shortly after, and the two were married in 1966. Gerald was born later that year.
Lorne’s auto body career was a precursor for what would end up being a long and successful sales career with Hauser Chev Olds, Midwest Motors and a series of his own independent used car and truck dealerships, most notably, Dominion Motors. In the mid-‘70s, Lorne attained the award of Grand Sales Master three times with General Motors Canada - he was truly the guy that could sell sand in the Sahara. The most enjoyable part for Lorne, however, was the numerous lifelong friends and contacts he made in the automotive industry.
Lorne always displayed a tireless work ethic and was a loyal friend, generous with both his time and resources. When he was in good health, Lorne enjoyed travelling, entertaining friends, swimming, music and concerts, reading, movies and sports – especially Saskatchewan Roughriders football.
Lorne’s family would like to thank the doctors and staff of 4B at the Pasqua Hospital for the wonderful and compassionate care which he received in his final weeks.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at St. James United Church, 4506 Sherwood Drive, Regina, Sask. on Saturday October 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Lorne can be made to a trust fund for his grandchildren’s education by contacting Gerry Krochak (gerry@countrythunder.com) or any member of the Krochak family.
Messages:
To the Krochak family We were very sorry to hear of Lorne's passing. Lorne was a good friend who we knew for many years through the auto body and automotive sales industries. He will be missed by many. May God give you the strength to deal with your sorrow during this very sad time John and Joey Hackman
RIP Lorne our condolences to Gerald and his family, Lorne was a good friend for many years and will be missed by many.
I'll always remember Lorne for his stories, unique character, and how his face lit up talking about Janice, Gerry and his grandchildren. You could tell he knew he was blessed to have his family.