Obituary of Lorne Daryl Whitby

On May 7, 2024 Lorne Whitby passed away peacefully at Parkwood Institute in his 77th year. Much loved father of Dana (Ryan), Chris (Genevieve), Shawn, and Aaron (Lisa), grandfather of Jordan, Jocilyn and Bailey, and brother of Seva (Brahm). Predeceased by his parents Bill and Betty.

Lorne's lifelong loves were music and his family. He was a professional keyboardist, playing both piano and organ. From the age of 14 he played in R&B bands, then later in life was an acclaimed Jazz and Blues keyboardist in Kingston, Kitchener, Toronto, and London. He had many fun-filled memories of his years playing organ for the Kitchener Rangers hockey games.

Lorne was a gifted teacher, passing along his love of music to hundreds of students over the years. His specialty was using popular music as a teaching tool to inspire his students while teaching them all they would require to be able to continue with classical training if they wished.

He will be missed by many in the music community, and by his friends Sandy, Steve, Cory, Gail, Marty, Helli, Ron and Maureen, among many others.

We give thanks to all those who took such good care of Lorne over these past 5 years, especially Barry and Frank, Danny, Sandra, Ruth and the Parkwood Palliative Care Team. You are all so appreciated.

A Celebration of Life and interment of his ashes will take place at a later date. For those wishing to make a donation in Lorne's memory, please consider one of the free El Sistema children's music programs here in London.