Lorne Kelly

By T. Bruce Wittet

If you didn’t know him, chances are you heard him. Lorne Kelly’s thundering rock ethic won him spots with headlining Toronto acts. Work quieted down following a relocation to Ottawa. While Lorne yearned for a punchy rock or soul gig, he found increasingly that teaching filled a creative void.

Alas, cancer struck and confined him to bed. From the palliative ward, Lorne counselled students, wound up a book project, and finalized articles for Drums Etc. magazine.

Lorne Kelly died on July 12, 2009. On August 3, over 70 well-wishers convened to celebrate the life of a musician who bowed to no one. They snacked, tipped glasses, and made to plan merry. Everything went – meaning Lorne Kelly had the last laugh. He’d made arrangements to pick up the tab.

Rest in peace, Lorne.

Source: The News Harp, September 2009