It is with great sadness that BC HRMA acknowledges the passing of Lorne Armstrong, former association president.

After a bout with cancer, Lorne died peacefully with his family by his side at Irene Thomas Hospice. Lorne, of Surrey, B.C., is survived by his wife, Roxy, and his sons Jeff (wife Stephanie) and Adam (wife Lisa) and his two beautiful grandchildren, Caellum and Dario.

Lorne also leaves behind a community of colleagues, clients, and friends that honor him and acknowledge his contributions to the profession of human resources.

In his 24 year tenure MacMillan Bloedel, Lorne was a strategic contributor to the organization, leading several key innovative HR programs including: the development of MacMillan Bloedel’s first team-based management system on the West Coast; the introduction of competency based performance management systems in the Information Technology department, a paper mill, and throughout the MB North American distribution business; installing the first gainsharing plans in MacMillan Bloedel operations in the 1980s, and guiding the installation of about 20 gainsharing plans throughout MacMillan Bloedel operations in Canada and the US.

Over the course of his career, Lorne was an ongoing proponent of sharing his knowledge, skills and expertise. He led several BC HRMA conference presentations and workshops, and presented HR best practices workshops in China.

His commitment to excellence in the profession was demonstrated by his involvement with BC HRMA. He was a member of the Board of Directors from 1982 to 1984. He returned in 2000 to provide expertise in Board governance and leadership, helping the Board transition from a hands-on, operational board to a strategic, policy focused Board. He also played a key role in moving from Chapters to Advisory Councils that also ended automatic appointments to the Board table due to geographic location. Lorne served as the association president from 2003-2005 and led a renewal and revitalization of BC HRMA. The outcome has been a financial turnaround from an operating deficit to a healthy surplus, more than 100% membership increase since 2004 and a sustainable, dynamic HR organization. Advisory Councils have become effective models for providing volunteer opportunities, access to member input across a geographically dispersed province, and local representation for our members. For his achievements, Lorne was granted the Fellow CHRP designation.

Lorne also drew on his professional knowledge, skills and experiences to provide volunteer services to the broader community.As a leader in the establishment of the Lower Mainland Assessment and Referral Service, Lorne left a lasting legacy for the betterment of the broader community, helping reduce  of  human suffering, building stronger families, encouraging safety and health at the work place, and enhancing the quality of life in the community.  Lorne was recognized by the Canada Committee for International Year of The Family 1994 for the contribution of the EFAP/ARS Model to the well-being of families in Canadian communities; he has received an Award for Best Business Achievement – B.C. Chamber of Commerce, “Quality of Life Award”, for working together to enhance the quality of life for employees and families; received a Work and Well-Being Award – Canadian Mental Health Association, National Joint Award, for health promotion activities and programs, which consider the physical and mental health needs of employees and a Workplace Awareness Award – Canadian Mental Health Association, B.C. Division Joint Award, for outstanding achievement in cooperatively promoting well-being in the workplace.

Lorne was integral to many communities and groups which are all over this continent. There will be an open house and sharing of appreciation on December 8th. You can attend in person or via conference call. For more information, please contact gcantor@contegrity.com.

In lieu of flowers, Lorne’s family has asked that donations be made, in Lorne’s honour, to support the hospice facility that provided care to Lorne in his last weeks.  Donations can be made online, by phone at 604-948-0660 or by mail.

On behalf of members and staff, BC HRMA has donated $1,000 in memory of Lorne.