The University of Lethbridge expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lorne Williams (BMgt ’99, MEd ’08), alumnus and long-time administrator within the Dhillon School of Business, who passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the age of 60.
"The passing of Lorne Williams is such a loss, not only for those who knew him, but for the University of Lethbridge,” says Dan Kazakoff, retired former assistant dean of the Dhillon School of Business. “Lorne was a kind, giving, compassionate and highly competent professional. He would do anything he could for his colleagues and his students loved him.”
In 2022, the Dhillon Business Students’ Association (DBSA) presented Williams with their Instructor of the Year award.
"Lorne was one of the most caring instructors at the Dhillon School of Business. He regularly went above and beyond to help all his students succeed and shine,” says Gage Desteur, who was the DBSA executive vice-president in 2020-2021.
Williams began his professional career at ULethbridge in 1995 as the associate manager in Housing Services, a role he held until 1999, all the while completing his Bachelor of Management with Great Distinction. Upon graduation, Williams became an academic assistant in the then Faculty of Management and served in that role through 2012.
In 2012, Williams took on a new role within the Faculty of Management, relocating to Calgary to serve as the interim assistant dean of ULethbridge’s Calgary campus until 2017. He began teaching as an instructor at the Calgary campus in 2014, a position he held to the present day.
“He spent so much time trying to make the Calgary campus a source of pride for the University of Lethbridge and the Calgary community,” adds Kazakoff. “While I am happy he is no longer suffering, I truly feel there is a hole that will never be filled. He was someone who will be missed by so many. Life is not fair.”
Dhillon School of Business Dean, Dr. Kerry Godfrey, says the school is feeling his loss.
“While we all knew Lorne was ill, his sudden passing came as a shock to many, and his absence will clearly be felt by all who knew him, worked with him or were his students over his long career at the university.”
Williams earned four post-secondary degrees, including a Bachelor of Management and Master of Education from ULethbridge, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts from Royal Roads University. As an instructor and administrator, he was a strong supporter of several student support initiatives and in 2013-14, was co-chair of the annual Supporting Our Students campaign.
A Celebration of Life service for Lorne Williams will take place on Sunday, May 28, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., at the Triwood Community Centre at 2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW, Calgary. The doors will open at 2:30 p.m. with the program starting at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has created the Lorne Williams Memorial Scholarship and asks that donations be directed there: go.uleth.ca/Lorne-Williams-Fund. The University will lower its flag that weekend in remembrance.