Lorne “Abe” Abramson

Lorne “Abe” Abramson of Halifax, NS – passed away June 2nd, 2024, after a sudden illness.

Choosing MAiD, he was able to be in control of his own passing, exit this life and move onto his next adventure with dignity and grace. 

Born April 25, 1946, in Montreal, Lorne spent his entire life waiting to be drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, and even at 78, that dream stayed alive.

Lorne was predeceased by his mother Grace Beatrice (Lapin) and his father Isaac Jacob Abramson. Lorne is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn (Taylor), his daughters Melanie (Robert) Dumaresq, Lara, chosen daughter Erika Sicard, his grandsons William and Finn, and his sister Shelley (Jack Merk) Abramson who tolerated questionable dentistry practices as a child, but still adored her older brother. He is also survived by numerous cousins.

Lorne graduated from McGill University in 1968 with a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Chemistry, then went on to Université de Montreal for 2 years of dentistry. While he liked the art of dentistry, the reality of having his hands in people’s mouths was not for him. After meeting the love of his life, Marilyn, he followed her east and discovered teaching at the Halifax South Open School. He completed his B.Ed. in 1972 from Mount Saint Vincent University where he loved every second he spent with the nuns. 

Lorne was all about community and leadership. He had many awards, plaques, photos, paintings, sculptures and even one vase to prove it. Please excuse us if we don’t list all the accolades, as there are too many to count.

Lorne’s profession was teaching. He taught math at J.L. Ilsley High School from 1973 to 2003. He loved his Ilsley family, both teachers and students alike. As was his way, he was more than a teacher. He was a student council advisor, peer health educator, volleyball coach, sound technician, director, and drivers ed instructor, and much more. One of Lorne’s defining traits was that if an opportunity presented itself for adventure and growth, he said yes. The first example of this was coaching volleyball, even though he never played the sport and could barely reach the top of the net. That opportunity led to coaching the Nova Scotia Men’s Team at the Canada Games with Dave Fraser in 1979. A second example was his involvement with the Nova Scotia Gambia Association with Burris Devanney. Together they founded a peer health education program, completing six projects in West Africa between 1989 and 1998.

In 1985, when Lara was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), Lorne teamed up with her pediatrician, Dr. Bruce Morton, to develop Nova Scotia’s summer camp for kids with T1D. They became the dynamic duo and Lorne found a soul mate in Dr. Morton. They both shared a dedication to children, a passion for life and the desire to enrich the lives of kids living with diabetes. That led to the development of guidelines and standards for all Diabetes Canada camps across the country. Lorne could never understand why the campers did not have real life role models living with T1D as their counsellors, so in 1987, Lorne developed the Leadership Training Program. To this day, thousands of youth living with T1D have benefited from Lorne’s passion. 

And if that wasn’t enough camp leadership for one person, Lorne also dove into the world of equestrian camps, developing a summer program for Halifax Lancers from 1994 to 1996.

In 1997, Lorne became provincial advisor for the Nova Scotia Secondary School Association (NSSSA). Lorne believed in the concept of youth empowerment. During his years as advisor, many of these relationships with the “NSSSA kids” evolved into long-lasting connections and brought him immense joy. He mentored so many as they grew into their leadership, eventually becoming outstanding adults. They trusted him as he encouraged them to learn from their mistakes and guided them along a path to their success. Also - under Lorne’s organizational tutelage, many “NSSSA kids” left knowing how to master an Excel spreadsheet. 

Following his retirement from teaching, Lorne continued his diabetes camping journey and became the Executive Director of the Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) from 2004 to 2015. Through his work with DECA, Lorne developed relationships with like-minded leaders who were all dedicated to unifying the diabetes camp community across the world. In typical Lorne fashion, many of these relationships became more like a family and Lorne cherished these friends to the very end. 

In 1992, Nick Jupp asked Lorne “What are you doing this weekend?”. Next thing he knew, Lorne walked the few metres down the street from home and started volunteering at the Theatre Arts Guild (TAG)/Pond Playhouse. He operated the front of house, serving Cheezies, Juan Valdez coffee, beer and wine - an interesting endeavour for a man who didn’t drink. During this time, he met people who shared in his silliness, creativity, sense of humour and talent. Lorne was able to showcase his talents and even got to play the Dame in some of the annual Christmas Pantomimes. The only roles that Lorne did not perform were designing costumes and creating choreography, which he left for Marilyn and Melanie; he knew where his strengths lay.

Lorne loved hockey. All those years of waiting to be drafted by the Montreal Canadiens allowed him to practice his skills at local rinks, shooting to stardom in many gentleman’s leagues, including Lloyd and Wally Hockey, Dartmouth Hockey, Ilsley Alumni Hockey, Old Man Hockey, and more. Lorne and his teammates celebrated the end of each season by throwing themselves an award banquet with Chinese food.  Instead of hiring musical entertainment, they formed their own band, in which they rehearsed and performed as if they were Dire Straits.

Lorne loved cooking and was a great chef. Nothing pleased him more than having people come over and take a seat at the table but beware if you tried to help. He hosted many pancake breakfasts, Passover seders, meals between TAG shows, spaghetti dinners (with ketchup), and every meal at diabetes camp. Matzah ball soup was brought to many occasions regardless of what year it had been put in the freezer. His greatest culinary fans were his grandsons, who loved his french toast and deep-fried chicken balls with rice. 

Lorne loved music. He specialized in a good strong whistle which is what you listened for when trying to find him in the basement. He was also a master at the kazoo and belted out his favourite tunes when he felt the spirit move him. He is solely responsible for teaching thousands of youth the song and actions to “In a Cabin in the Woods” – you’re welcome.

Thank you to all those who came to visit Lorne in the hospital, to listen to his stories, share laughter and express their love for him. Thank you to staff at the Halifax Infirmary Unit 8.2, special thanks to Dr. Alana Soares, Dr. Rose Cameron, and nurse Rose. 

“I want to be remembered for my passion in everything I choose to get involved with, for my compassion for friends, for my ability to laugh, especially at myself. I found life delightful, and I do not have regrets.” Abe, 2009

DONATIONS in his honour can made to your choice of Lorne’s favourite charities: Diabetes Canada – Nova Scotia D-Camps, Theatre Arts Guild, or the QEII Foundation. 

Date for Celebration of Lorne’s life to be determined.