Lorne Sviatoslav Toumine
March 27, 1945 – Dec 27, 2020
Lorne Toumine passed away from cancer in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.
Lorne was born in Ottawa, where he attended Ottawa Technical High School and later received his BA (Art History) from Carleton University. He was a dancer by profession and performed with several companies over his career including The Ottawa Ballet, Les Feux-Follets, the National Ballet of Portugal, Les Ballet Jazz de Montréal, and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.
Lorne was a man with many skills and interests. He had a broad knowledge and appreciation of the arts. As a stained-glass artist, he created artworks inspired by his family and knowledge of art history. He was an avid reader that enjoyed both science fiction and history. After dancing he broadened his athletic interests. He earned a black belt in Taekwondo, became a skilled archer, liked sailing, and learned to windsurf and snowboard as a senior. He was an avid cyclist that tackled many mountain trails and when his knees gave out, he kept pedaling on his electric bike. Until recently, Lorne swam daily at the local pool.
Above all, Lorne adored his family. He was a dedicated husband and father. Preparing good food, and family dinners, was when Lorne was in his glory. His culinary skills were unmatched and he enjoyed experimenting with ingredients from all over the world, including from his own garden which he tended with devotion. Over the years, as a father, he volunteered on school trips, at summer camps, and was the biggest fan at all games, concerts and competitions. His most cherished memories were the countless family camping, skiing, and cycling trips.
Lorne will be lovingly remembered by his wife and partner of 42 years, Olesia (Cyncar); his son Daniel (Ally McIntyre) and daughter Ana. He will also be dearly missed by his close family of in-laws: mama Nadia Cyncar; brother Marco Cyncar; sister Markiana (Gerald) Hryschuk; nephew Artym Hryschuk; niece Areta Hryschuk (Steve Rozhdestvensky); their children Ari and Raphi; and aunt Marika Tatchyn; cousins: Marilee Williams, Todd Williams, Melissa (Jeff) Stolzman of Ottawa, and dear friends both near and afar.
Lorne was predeceased by his parents: Nesta (Williams) and Slava Toumine; and brother Peter.
The family wishes to express appreciation and gratitude for the outpouring of support and many kindnesses received from his medical team, family and friends.
A celebration of life will be planned for Lorne Toumine at a future date.
I started dancing at Nesta Toumine’s Ottawa Ballet Studios back in 1968, when I was only fifteen years old. That’s when I first met Lorne. It wasn’t long before he became my dance mentor. I truly wanted to be like him. Not long after I began dancing at the studio, Lorne myself and another boy, Dwight Davis, joined Les Feux-Follets. We roomed together over the next 2 months while we rehearsed for Les Feux-Follets’s Canadian tour. After that I went to Winnipeg to dance with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Lorne went to Montreal and danced with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. A few years later I re-connected with Lorne when I joined Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. After I left the dance world I lost contact with Lorne, although I did hear, through mutual friends, how he was getting along. I regret not keeping in touch with him. Olesia, Daniel and Ana please except my deepest condolences. Lorne was a wonderful human being who brought a ray of sunshine to whoever he met. Godspeed Lorne and may you continue to bring a ray of light, to wherever you are.
Lorne and I were very close our freshman year at McGill. We lived in the same boarding house on Sherbrooke Street. He and his family were so kind to this displaced American in Canada. I’ve always thought of him and will remember him fondly. RIP dear friend.
R.I.P
Love from his estranged first son.
Dear Olesia
I fondly remember Lorne teaching the Don Quixote pas de deux in his mother’s studio. His lessons held me in good stead for future performances.
Nadia and your dear family, my sincerest sympathy. May your dear Lorne Rest In Peace. My prayers are with you all.
Dear Olesia, Daniel and Ana,
I was deeply saddened to read of Lorne’s passing. He was a fine man and friend. We danced in Les Grands Ballet back in the early 1970s. I send you all much courage and strength in this
difficult time. He always talked about you with much love and pride.
Our thoughts are with you all, I loved meeting Lorne in Halifax when Daniel came to stay. Such sad news.
Deepest sympathy from the Pyzyk Family. Lorne was a good man, a talented artist. I fondly recall my visits to Montreal where he made a delicious borsch.
Rest in Peace.
Olesia, Daniel and Ana,
My deepest condolences to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in the memories you hold in your heart.
We were shocked to hear of Lorne’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and the family. We understand that there will be a memorial service in Ottawa in the future. Perhaps by then we could hug without fear of Covid-19
Dear, Olesia
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I always admired the dance side of the family, and Lorne was no exception – I wasn’t able to see him very much growing up so it was lovely to read about all that he did. So proud of Auntie Nesta’s and Uncle Slava’s accomplishments and was so happy to see Lorne again at the Toronto exhibition in their honour.
All my best to you
Missy
Sincere condolences. Remembering Lorne and wishing you comfort.
Dear Olesia, Daniel & Ana – we were saddened to hear of Lorne’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences, our thoughts and prayer are with you all!
We send our love and May God give you strength to you and your family as you mourn this great loss of a great man. Our prayers are with you.
Our condolences to you and your family, he will be greatly missed
To Olesia, Daniel & Ana, please accept our sincere condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Our deepest condolences to you and your family Olesia. Hugs.
Olesia please accept our deepest condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family. Vichaya pamyat’ to Lorne, he will always be in our hearts.
Love & hugs!
We have so many wonderful memories of Lorne/your Papa! Lorne loved to entertain; to laugh & joke; chat about movies & politics; the arts, to cook & fine wines & drinks; cycling & keeping fit; keeping up with his children’s interests & endeavours; sports cars; playing the latest video games, technology; babies & children; reading sci fi; listening to music; reminiscing; and sharing! He loved you, Olesia, Daneil & Ana best and was your greatest fan!
We miss him beyond words! He will always be in our hearts!
We are saddened to hear of your loss. May sweet memories together heal your heart as Heaven gains a new angel! Praying for all.
Dearest Olesia and family,
We are very sad to hear of Lorne’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So very saddened Olesia to read of Lorne’s passing. Deepest condolences to you, Ana and Daniel and all those who loved him dearly.
Vichnaya Pamyat – deepest condolences to the family.