A life well lived: Lorne celebrates 102 years on Canada Day
When fireworks light the night sky on July 1, they will mark more than Canada’s birthday. It’s also a time to celebrate one of Canada’s birthday twins (those who share the same birthday) and Extendicare Lakeland Village resident, Lorne Thurston. This year’s milestone is special as Lorne turns 102 years old.
Lorne says that being born on Canada day is quite remarkable. “I couldn’t think of a better day for a birthday.”
Sitting down with Lorne to learn from his century of memories, he spoke of his childhood in rural Saskatchewan and life on the prairies working cattle on his family’s farm.
“The work was hard. Kids worked young. Today, things are easier,” he said with a smile as he reminisced on rural living, moving herds from pasture to pasture aboard his pony Kayo.
His family later moved to Reaboro, a hamlet in central Ontario, where he began what would be a long career in construction and municipal services. From zoning to infrastructure, Lorne has quite literally helped shape the Canada we see today.
Lorne has spent more than a century building not only homes and bridges in his professional life, but friendship and community.
Living well and being a leader at Lakeland Village
A resident of Extendicare Lakeland Village in Lindsay, Ontario for more than a decade, he continues to live with quiet purpose and a generous spirit. At 102, Lorne remains active and engaged in his home community. He continues to be a voice that stands out during church services, carefully selects the hymns for Sunday gatherings, and works on puzzles, though at a more relaxed pace than before.
When a local school donated a garden planter made in the school’s woodshop class, Lorne was the first one outside, helping decommission the older planters and preparing the garden bed for new growth.
Reflections after 102 years
With over a century of lived experience, Lorne has this advice to younger generations, “Find something you like, and keep at it,” Lorne says. “Work hard and don’t give up.”
Lorne has contributed in many ways to the Lakeland Village community as both the treasurer on the Residents’ Council and as an early member of Extendicare’s national resident and family advisory group, Resident Experience Action Council for Homes (REACH). He’s known among team members and fellow residents for his calm demeanor, thoughtful contributions, and unfailing willingness to lend a hand.
Reflecting on his 102 years, he notes how much has changed, especially in how we communicate.
“People are so connected now - maybe a bit too connected,” he says. “People should take time to slow down and be here.”
This Canada Day, the team at Lakeland Village is throwing a full-day celebration to do just that, honouring both the country and the extraordinary man who has seen it evolve throughout his lifetime. Leading the home’s annual parade, Lorne will be decked out in red and white for the morning, and birthday spirit in the afternoon.
It’s not every day that you get to celebrate 102 years of life, and even more rare to do it by sharing the day with the country you have called home for your entire life.
Happy birthday, Lorne!