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Lorne Stairs

1923-2012

Lorne Stairs
Lorne Stairs

STAIRS, LORNE DARC

 The home-going of Lorne Darc Stairs of Fredericton, NB, husband of Florence Edith (Kelly) for more than 62 years, occurred on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Pine Grove Nursing Home where he received wonderful care after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.  He was born September 5, 1923 in Nackawic, NB, son of the late Seely and Faye (Dunlop) Stairs.

He was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the Royal Air Force as a 1st Flight Lieutenant on the British Isles and involved in the first radar unit.  Lorne, with his family, was a missionary in Bolivia for over 25 years with the Canadian Baptist Ministries.  He also was a pastor in several New Brunswick Baptist churches over the years before and after his time in Bolivia having a special heart for the Richibucto Baptist Church.  He was a member of Brunswick Street Baptist Church.  In his life Lorne lived to read, study and teach.

Lorne studied and graduated from Normal School in Fredericton, Gordon College of Theology and Missions outside of Boston and Westminister Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.  This prepared him for the many years he taught at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Cochabamba.  He and Florence became involved in the lives of many young men and women who served in the churches in Bolivia.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gloria Tranquilla, Fredericton, NB; Gail Stairs, Moncton, NB; Sheila Chao (Joseph), Los Angeles, CA; Glenn Stairs (Sandra), Sussex, NB; Ann Wallin, Oakville, ON; Bryan Stairs, Oakville, ON and Owen Stairs, Moncton, NB; grandchildren, Jim (Laura), John, Giselle, Jocelyne and Joel (Meghan) Tranquilla; Andrew, Dion and Sabrina Chao; Sasha and Krista Stairs; and John and Kelly Wallin; great grandchildren, Elliot and Clara Tranquilla; one brother, Terry Stairs, Fredericton, NB; sister-in-law, Hannah Stairs, Douglas, NB; niece, Sharon Anderson (David), Douglas, NB and nephew, Dean Stairs (Stephanie), NL.  He was recently predeceased by his brother, Lynn Stairs.

Visitation will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home, 160 York St., on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at Brunswick Street Baptist Church on Friday, February 3rd at 11 am with Rev. Greg Geldart officiating. Interment will be in Bear Island Cemetery in the spring. Family flowers only please. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Baptist Ministries, Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Victory Baptist Church in Rexton or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed through www.mcadamsfh.com, 458-9170.