It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lorne McArthur on Tuesday July 22, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in 1938, on a farm outside Trochu, he was raised along with his siblings, Lloyd, Loraine, Alvin and Gordon. He married his wife Marilyn in 1961.

At just 14 years old, Lorne earned his first taxidermy license, having learned the craft from his grandfather. He went on to build a thriving business, gaining a strong reputation in the community for his exceptional skill and artistry.

Lorne worked 17 years as a federal meat inspector. One of the highlights of his career was participating in the reindeer harvest in the Northwest Territories, an unforgettable experience that gave him incredible memories and lifelong friendships.

Later, Lorne and his young family relocated just south of Red Deer to pursue their dream of starting a market garden. Their venture included eight acres of raspberries and the raising of hundreds of pheasants in innumerable varieties. Lorne and Marilyn also had an extraordinary talent for growing gladiolus flowers. At one point, they cultivated over 100,000 gladiolus blooms for commercial sale, becoming one of the original vendors at the local farmers market, where their flowers were sold for more than five decades.

Lorne and his wife Marilyn were pillars of the Alberta Horticultural Association, actively involved as executives and exhibitors for over 60 years. He became especially known for developing and hybridizing dahlias, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor at provincial flower shows and other competitions, he put his mind to. His passion for floriculture was contagious—he inspired and mentored countless other growers throughout the years.

A visionary in his field, Lorne spearheaded the creation of the “Piper Creek Trial Gardens,” a one-of-a-kind dahlia and gladiolus cultivar evaluation site. It remains the only active trial garden of its kind in Canada today.

Beyond his horticultural achievements, Lorne was a founding and devoted member of the local chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was also an enthusiastic sportsman—an avid curler, golfer, cribbage player, and a die-hard Edmonton Oilers fan.

His proudest achievement was his family. His children, Michael (Heleme), Danny (Shelly) Jeanne (Calvin), David “Animal” Lucas (Brenda), Brian (Dawn), grand children Randy, Corynne, Garth, Kelsy, Emily, Yasmine, Tyler, Ryane, Muhammad, and great grandchildren, Raylene, Josie, Zebyn, Muhammad-Ali, Miller, Wyatt, Kareem, Wyatt and Alvin.  He was predeceased by his brother Alvin and grandchild Matthew.

His love, kindness, and unwavering dedication touched countless lives, leaving the world a more joyful, vibrant, and greener place.

On lieu of flowers the family invites donations in Lorne’s memory to your closest  Humane Society or the Central Alberta Humane Society www.cahumane.com  (4505 77 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 2J1)   which supports the care of animals.

A celebration of life ceremony service will take place at Valley Centre Hall on Monday August 18 from 2-4 pm.  38062 Range Rd 260, Red Deer County, AB T0M 1S0.

Condolences to Lorne’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net . Please indicate “Lorne McArthur” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2025-07-29
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"