Robert "Lorne" Henderson

Robert "Lorne" Henderson, a lifelong resident of the area, passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Feb. 14, 2007. He was 91.
He was born on Oct. 1, 1915 at the Hugh Blaine farm east of Hallville. He was the only son of Wesley Robert Henderson and Ida Rosella Kirkwood. He was raised on a farm in Toyes Hill, and attended Toyes Hill Public School and Winchester High School. During the 1930s, they moved off the farm and his parents both died. He then went to live with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Strader, north of Williamsburg. He completed his second year of secondary schooling at Morrisburg High School and then went to work for various farmers in the surrounding area. He bought his first car at this time - a 1928 Chrysler for $75.
In 1936 he married Olive Leach. Their first son Robert was born in 1938. Olive's parents became ill and their six month old son, Charlie, came to live with them in 1941. In 1943, they purchased a farm of 87 and a half acres of land for $6,500. They started off with 12 cows, one blind horse, one horse always ready to run away, seven heifers, and a few heifer calves, a small amount of grain, and a three year old Ford tractor. The day they moved to the farm, a truck carrying all their belongings caught on fire and they were left with nothing. The trailer carrying their mattress arriving separately was their only remaining possession.
In 1945, they joined the Holstein Association of Canada with the prefix Terrdale. It was then that he purchased his first purebred Holstein. They then had two other sons, Terris and Francis. They also raised Robert's son, Kevin. Francis stayed on the farm and he and Lorne formed a partnership.
He overcame many hardships in life. The loss of Charlie in a car accident in 1959 at 18 years old, and Lorne's son, Robert passed away in 1976. His first pig aortic valve open-heart operation was in 1977. The aortic valve was worn and in 1994 it was replaced with another pig aortic valve. He had great confidence in Dr. Keon and his work. He often said "Now I eat like a pig and have a pot belly."
His wife was hard-working and dedicated and passed away in November 1987. They shared 51years of marriage.
Over time, improvements were made at the farm. Implement sheds, grain bins, and heifer shelters were built. Money was spent on machinery, and the base animals of what would later become an exceptional Holstein herd. He was very proud of his cows and was awarded the prestigious Master Breeder Award. However, he did not take full credit for earning this award. He always said he couldn't have done it without the help and teamwork of his family. He also dabbled in Hackney horses and Jersey cows. He loved showing his Hackneys at local fairs. Hackneys were high steppers and very showy. He was much like a Hackney - he was a high stepper even though he was a short man. He always stood tall in the show ring. He was a well respected horse and cattle breeder and buyer. He loved farming, and continued fieldwork until the age of 85.
In 1997 he married Elaine Mellon. They enjoyed each other's friendship and companionship. They were fortunate to enjoy 10 wonderful years together. He was always thankful for his life. He had faith in the Lord, Dr. Keon, his wife, family, and the prosperity of good friends he had enjoyed over the years.
He was dedicated to the Brinston United Church. He had given his time, talents, and money to his church, and he attended regularly. He oversaw and carried out complete basement renovations in the church.
He was a great person. He had a great sense of humour, and liked to joke with people all the time. He had a very caring and generous heart. He was a motivating and patient teacher.
He is survived by his wife Elaine, his sons Francis (Doreen), and Terry (Karen), both of Brinston, his step-children Cathy (Tom) Hummel of Napanee, Kevin (Susan) Mellon of South Mountain, and David (Melinda) Mellon of South Mountain. He will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Kevin, Tracy, Tammy, Karen, Brian, Katie, Melissa, Darian, Sabrina, Brianna, Sonia, Keshia, Lucas, and great-grandchildren Robert, Bruce, Cassidy, Felicity, Olivia, and Terrence. He was predeceased by his wife Olive, and his sons Robert and Charlie. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg, on Feb.15 and16. The funeral service was held at Brinston United Church on Feb. 16 with Rev. Yvonne Willis officiating, followed by interment at Spruce Haven Cemetery in Brinston. The pallbearers were Robert Henderson, Ian Mudde, Perry Robertson, Doug Willis, Jeff Adamson, Ian Porteous, and Kevin Mellon.
Donations to Brinston United Church would be appreciated by the family.