With shock and a profound sense of loss, we share the news of the sudden death of Dr. Lorne Warneke, on Friday, August 28, due to complications from a fall in his home.
Lorne was a man of deep compassion and warmth, intellect, charm, wit, and fun! At the same time, he was a determined, tenacious fighter for what he believed in and for the underdog: a legend among Edmonton psychiatrists, and mentor to many. Lorne had a huge, generous, outrageous, flamboyant spirit that could not be contained, while never losing his rootedness in his early years on the farm. He read constantly – novels, medical articles, history books, the classics – and was interested in a wide variety of topics. Lorne was always eager to share some exciting thing he just read. His enthusiasm spilled over in any conversation; whether it was about medicine, the human psyche, assorted ways of cooking chicken, traveling, plants, history or politics, Lorne would have an obscure reference or fascinating point to make. Lorne was neither judgmental nor critical of anyone and treated everyone with respect. He had the gift of making each person feel important, “heard” and included. In Lorne’s mind and heart there was always room for another person around the table! To be counted among his friends is an honour, joy, and privilege; and that circle is wide!
Lorne Baird Warneke was the oldest of two children, born to Ester and John Warneke, whose farm was located “near the Leedale store”, South West of Rimbey, Alberta.
Lorne was predeceased by his mother, Ester (nee Sundbye); sister, Diane Lorna; father, John; and stepmother, Jean (nee Bertagnolli). Though predeceased by his family of origin, Lorne is survived by an extensive network of chosen family whom he loved and who loved him deeply: Lorne’s husband of 24 years, John Chan, who lovingly called Lorne ‘Mahal’, which means ‘love’ in Filipino; Johnny’s family, who fully embraced Lorne; lifelong friends; colleagues; and those of us who make up the “Boys in the Band and the Two Women”.
Lorne’s legacy is intimately bound to his own story. Growing up gay in a rural community, he knew the stigma, isolation and struggle of feeling different. As his practice became more specialized to address the needs of marginalized people and communities in Edmonton, he was criticized by public figures, ostracized by his colleagues, and regularly received hate mail. In spite of the personal attacks, Dr. Warneke stood beside those he worked with as he determinedly challenged the system to include, support, and care for LGBTQ2+. Dr. Warneke helped change public beliefs about homouality. He helped us understand transgenderism, as a normal variation on the theme of gender identity, not a disorder. He started the first gender clinic in Canada in 1995. He wrote letters, lobbied for support, and added his expertise to challenge long held beliefs that stood in the way of full inclusion and Human Rights for homoual and transgendered people. In fact, Dr. Warneke’s testimony was significant in the landmark Delwin Vriend case, which ultimately led to the Supreme Court ruling to include ual orientation as a protected Human Right in Canada.
Dr. Warneke’s professional credentials are remarkable. He received his Bachelor of Science with Honours from the U. of A. in 1963 and his Medical Degree in 1967. His first specialty was in the area of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and he became an expert in the field. People from around the world came to Edmonton to receive treatment from Dr. Warneke. Professional highlights include keynote addresses at international conferences, numerous textbooks, Medical Journal, newsletter articles, lectures and groundbreaking research. In 2017, Dr. Warneke received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Alberta. It was truly a highlight of his career – affirming his life’s work and the people he supported for so many years.
The Video Tribute of Dr. Warneke can be accessed via YouTube and is well worth the watch. For the heartfelt reflections offered by those whose lives he touched, to seeing the warmth and kindness in his eyes and Lorne’s delightful smile (youtube/SR4TB9OX8u8).
Lorne Warneke’s loss for those of us closest to him is immense. We are comforted to know that his legacy, and the difference he made for LGBTQ2+, and transgendered people in particular, are immeasurable. This legacy will live on in the personal lives of his patients, in the trailblazing character of his practice, in the Legal Rights won for LGBTQ2+ people, in the establishment of the Gender Health Programme (formerly the Gender Clinic at the Grey Nuns, now situated at the University of Alberta Hospital), and in the annual teaching award given to a Medical Student in Lorne’s honour.
We dearly loved this man: Doctor, humanitarian, teacher, mentor, Mahal, and friend. We, Alberta and this world, are so much better for his having been a part of us. As devastated as we are by his loss, we hope everyone will be equally inspired and moved by Lorne Warneke’s life, his being, and his work. May we all be less judgmental and more accepting of others.
Contributions in Lorne’s Memory, may be made to the Institute for ual Minorities and Services at the University of Alberta, or to your Local Chapter of PFLAG.
Due to COVID – 19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lorne Warneke 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta