In Loving Memory
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we remember Lorne William Pelto—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who passed away peacefully in Sidney, British Columbia, surrounded by family on November 1, 2025.
Born in Ladysmith to Babs (Marguerite) and Mauno Pelto, Lorne’s childhood in BC’s logging camps and coastal communities sparked a lifelong love of nature, adventure, and appreciation for the joy of fishing and hunting. His stories of Sultry Bay, Sandspit, and Kitimat will never be forgotten as they echo his admiration for the beauty of British Columbia.
Lorne’s determination and work ethic shone early, as he worked in the logging industry to put himself through Simon Fraser University, where he earned his BA in geography. His career as a safety inspector with the Worker’s Compensation Board took him across the province, earning him the affectionate nickname the “Safety Buffalo.” Lorne was respected for his unwavering commitment to safer workplaces, his leadership in developing industry standards, and his generosity in sharing knowledge through internationally recognized publications, seminars, and conferences.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lorne found deep enjoyment on the water harvesting the ocean’s bounty and captaining his beloved boats, the Kindred Spirit, the Lorri Girl, and the C-Joy. Lorne also enjoyed growing dahlias in his garden and spending time with family and friends spanning Vancouver Island, the interior of BC, Cabo San Lucas, San Diego, and Seattle.
Lorne is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn Reeves Colbert, daughter Melissa Pelto (Walker; children Jack and Vivienne), and stepdaughters Kim Bull (Shane; children Brooke, Cole, Camryn) and Kelly Bull-Tomer (Steve; sons Jake, Ryan, Luke). He was previously married to Ellen (Market) and to the late Lorri (Thorne/Bull). He is also survived by his sister Lynda McKewan (nephews Dillon and Murray), as well as extended family and friends.
Lorne’s kindness, generosity, and appreciation for life will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every positive thought and in every Dr. Hook song played.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency.
A Celebration of Lorne’s life will be held on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, at 2:00pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the ” Pelto” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Jim Stewart
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Conan Chee My deepest condolences to everyone that knew him. He was a great man, always happy, always smiling no matter what’s going on in his life. He will surely be missed. I’m sure you’re tending to your flowers even as we speak 🙂 Rest easy my friend.
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Scott Dickson My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and Denise.
Hearing of Lorne’s passing brought a deep, unwelcome heaviness. He was one of a small group of men who shaped me in ways that still echo. Knowing him helped make me a better man, and I learned more from him about life and decency than he ever realized.
I first met Lorne when I was a very green young photographer at WorkSafeBC (WCB). He took me under his wing, kept me pointed in the right direction, and introduced me to worlds I knew nothing about: logging, yarding, bucking, and how to have a good time without losing your footing.
I remember watching him move up impossibly steep hillsides and over fallen timber with a lightness that contradicted his size. He’d be halfway up a slope before I’d figured out where to plant my boots. I looked up to him in every sense.
Lorne showed me that a life could be lived with equal parts passion and compassion. Those gifts are still in me, and they’re not going anywhere.
I could tell stories about working with Lorne, some even suitable for print, but what matters most is this: the world feels smaller without him, and I’ll carry the lessons he gave me for the rest of my life.
Rest easy, my big, beloved friend. You left a mark on everyone lucky enough to walk beside you.
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Lynne & Russ Pierce Carolyn,
Russ and I send our condolences to you & your lovely family. Lorne’s zest for life, that sparkle in his eye, & his great storytelling are things we will remember! Sending hugs & love to you & the family.Fondly,
Lynne & Russ
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Scarlett (Markert Family) A beautiful tribute for a beautiful life lived! Sending condolences to Melissa and entire family. I often think of Lorne whenever I see dahlias after he brought a beautiful assortment to the celebration of Grandma (Jane)’s life. May he rest in peace and all the memories continue to bring you joy forever. Love you
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Bruce Dumont My sincere Condolences
As a former Faller and WCB Safety Officer co-worker Lorne left a Legacy of a good logger and Safety Professional
There is “nothing like a good big man in the woods”
Rest In Peace friend
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C Burman Melissa
Sorry for the loss of your father.
Take care
Carol B
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Ralph and Melinda Braun Our sincere condolences to Lorne’s loved ones. Words cannot express the greatness of his warm personality and wonderful character and standards he lived by. We will miss him deeply. Ralph and Melinda
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Peter Ellmann Lorne lit up any room he entered and his heart warmed many friendships.
We will always be grateful for his friendship and kindness and of course great parties
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Bruno Fornika Dear Carolyn, Denise and I would like to tell you personally how sorry we are to lose Lorne. We will make every attempt possible to join you in a celebration of Lorne’s life in Victoria on December 20. We look forward to seeing you and many of the family and Lorne’s friends. Stay well!
Bruno
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Douglas Macdonald It was very sad to learn that my friend Lorne passed away. Lorne and I first became aquainted when he was assigned the responsibility of providing support of BCFP Caycuse efforts in promoting a healthy and safe workplace. In 1987 Lorne with several other Worksafe officers attended caycuse to evaluate the safety program. As a result of that process I was encouraged by Lorne to apply to worksafe for the position of prevention officer. In 2002 Lorne seconded me to assist in writing a standard practice manual that centered on Grapple/Supper Snorkle safe work practices. After completing that manual we were assigned a additional manual that contained information specific to cable yarding. We were also heavily involved in two projects that changed the forestry regulations in the province.
I believe Lorne made a significant change in the way that the forest industry provides a healty and safe work place
He will be missed by all of us who valued him as a friend and colleague.Doug Macdonald Prevention Officer
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Gail Ordano Sorry for your loss and to hear that Lorne has passed away. He was a great Safety/Prevention Officer that I worked with over the years in Victoria and Nanaimo. I will be thinking of you all.
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Romi Bongers I am so deeply saddened to hear of Lorne Pelto’s passing. I knew Lorne for many many years. He was a very kind and caring man. I enjoyed his visits and hearing about his life’s experiences. He will be missed greatly.
Love & Light to guide your way Lorne
Romi Bongers
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Terry and Donna We loved Lorne so much. He was so highly appreciated and respected. We will miss him and will never forget him. He will never be gone, we just can’t see him. To know Lorne is to love him. Sincere sympathy to all his loved ones. Stand strong Carolyn, he loved you very much. Much love Donna and TR.
Lin and I were very saddened to learn of Lorne’s passing and still have difficulty realizing he’s gone. Lorne and I first met at the Heather Street office in 1977 where we training to deliver “Care of the Back” seminars to industry. Lorne’s first audience was staff at the Williams Lake hospital including doctors, nurses and other professionals……..rather challenging to say the least.
We both were logging in the late 60’s and early 70’s all over the coast and both attended Simon Fraser University during that time, however we never met. We joined the WCB in 1974 but still hadn’t met as we trained at different times. We got to know each other from reading each other’s accident reports at that time.
We met again in the early 80’s when Lorne posted to Victoria. He covered the south island and I the mid island from Duncan to Deep Bay. We learned a lot from each other’s experience and inspected all logging activity…….from horses to helicopters.
I will miss Lorne’s presence terribly and will always remember our times together on and off the job.