LANE, M.M.M., C.D., Horace Francis
May 26, 1951 to March 16, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Horace Francis Lane, age 72, at home in Lewisporte after battling cancer. Predeceased by his parents, Horace and Madeline Lane. Leaving to mourn with broken hearts, loving and devoted wife, Karen; beloved daughters Carla, Dana (Mike), Sara (Chris), and Amy (Brady), Karen’s children, Melanie (Rod), and Joshua, and his precious grandchildren that he adored Jacob, Taylor, Sydney, Austin, Lily, Maddie, and Callie. Also left to mourn former wife and friend Vivian Lane, his siblings and their spouses, Jerry (Linda), Mona (Terry), Kay (Ron), and Jackie (Rob), along with his nephews, nieces, and countless friends, business associates, and colleagues in the Canadian Rangers. Horace was a Lieutenant with the 5th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, Gander. In 2012, he was invested with the Order of Military Merit by Governor General and Commander-inchief, David Johnston, and he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in the same year.
Born in Millertown, Horace was a true entrepreneur. He founded and operated hair salons throughout central and western Newfoundland, and then entered the outfitting business, establishing Riverrun Outfitting and Tours with camps in central Newfoundland and in Labrador. He continued to do hunts after he sold the main business and loved to introduce his children, family and friends to hunting and salmon fishing. He was a consummate marketer, bringing leading sales, customer service, and innovative business practices to his business and contributing to the industry provincewide through his participation in the Outfitters Association and Hospitality NL. In 1992/93 Land and Sea based two shows on Horace’s marketing efforts in the U.S. and on the quality experience he offered his clients.
With family and friends, in business and with the Rangers, Horace had a presence and charisma which attracted attention – he was handsome, witty, smart, and generous. He had boundless energy, always thinking of the next opportunity, a new approach, another trail or salmon river to explore. He loved his time with Karen at their camp in Loon Bay, enjoying extended visits with his grandchildren, trips to see “his girls” in Nova Scotia, Montreal, and Ottawa, and holidays with friends and family. He was always proud of his roots in Millertown, from a family of woodsmen, and being able to visit the home he was born in – for many years to visit his beloved mother, Madeline. He was taken too young, with many more plans, and looking forward to more years with his grandchildren and future great grandchildren. He left his mark on all he met and contributed to his beloved province in numerous ways.
His final weeks were comforted by the constant and devoted support of Karen, the nursing and love of Melanie, and the gentle strength of Craig. Carla, Dana, Sara and Amy were all able to have one last visit with their dad in his final weeks, bringing their love and strength to him. Thanks also to Dr. Krista Blundell and her team at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre in Gander for their compassionate care and support.
Public visitation (closed casket) 7-9 p.m., Monday, March 18, Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home, Lewisporte. Service, Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m., St. Matthew’s United Church, Lewisporte. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to St. Matthew’s United Church would be gratefully accepted.