Lorne Murray Radcliffe

 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lorne Murray Radcliffe on Thursday, March 18th, formerly of Cardale and most recently, Minnedosa. Lorne was born on the farm in the Moline district to John and Clara Radcliffe on December 30th, 1934. He attended Moline school and helped on the farm until the family bought and moved to the farm at SW 31-14-21 in the Cardale area in 1945. Lorne completed his schooling at Cardale and then was convinced by his good friends Bill Ransom and Ralph Lowes to register for the Agricultural Diploma course offered through the Agricultural Extension Center in Brandon and then a year in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba.
Shortly after completing his schooling Lorne met his future wife, Frances Philp at MFA Camp (Camp Wannakumbac). They started their life of 59 years together, renting rooms in the former Riddick home in Cardale before moving to the old brick house on the farm. During those early years, Lorne enjoyed curling, going to hockey games, and working on the farm. He traveled on the road with Lyle Baker teaching welding courses across the province. Many times growing up Dad would tell us kids as we were driving through a small Manitoba town that he had stayed in this motel or taught a course in that particular building with Lyle. This led to Dad selling for Kruschel and Sons (LKS) for a number of years.
Lorne also enjoyed Square Dancing with Frances. They were regular attendees at the Newdale Hall and traveled to Jamborees around the countryside. Dad even managed to call a few dances himself when the occasion arose. He spent many hours keeping time in a lot of cold country rinks at hockey games and worked a lot of games for the Bobcats taking money at the door. He loved to go to the mall and not shop, but to sit and visit with people. Through his schooling, farming, teaching welding, serving on numerous boards, and trading for stationary engine and tractor parts brought Dad into contact with people from across the country and beyond. Many lasting friendships were made that continued throughout his lifetime. Some things he was very proud of were working tirelessly to bring more affordable and better phone service to rural westman residents and selling memberships for an infant KAP organization. He was a dedicated Wheat Board man to the last as many will remember him.
As a father, Dad loved camping and hauled us to many a memorable venue. He enjoyed returning to Camp Wannakumbac and reuniting with old friends. As farming slowed down, Dad took more and more pleasure from tending the garden and keeping the yard neat and tidy. Hours were spent mowing and trimming the acres of grass around the farm buildings. In the evenings, Dad liked playing crib with Mom, working on a jigsaw puzzle, and of course, conversing on the phone with his many friends. He enjoyed telling stories behind each antique engine or tractor he had and took great pride in restoring them to look better than when they were first sold. Going to the Pioneer Power and Equipment Club shows in Brandon was something he really looked forward to. His collection showpiece was the 1925 Model TT truck that he recovered and restored from the farm at Moline.
Lorne is survived by his wife, Frances; son Terry (Melanie) and daughter Wendy (Bruce); grandchildren Connor, Tegan (CJ), Ali (Dawson), and Bryton, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents John and Clara Radcliffe and his brother Robert (Bob).
Funeral arrangements were made through White’s Funeral Home of Minnedosa. Lorne was interred at Pettapiece Cemetary on Sunday, March 21st, with a family graveside service, conducted by Linda Clark.
People wishing to make a donation in memory of Lorne may do so through the Cardale United Church Memorial Fund Box 86 Cardale, MB R0K 0J0 or to a charity of your choice.

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