Lorne Foran had a rich and full life. His style of aggressive, hard-working policing earned him successive promotions and the respect of his fellow officers.
Lorne was born on March 18, 1937 in Kirkland Lake. He held several different jobs before becoming a police officer on June 1, 1960. As a Constable, Lorne was commended for his role in policing a strike in Kapuskasing. He served at detachments in North Bay and Still River before he left general duties and began to serve in more specialized branches. Lorne spent time with the Precious Metals Squad in Timmins and his hometown area of Kirkland Lake.
Detective Sergeant Foran moved successively into the Security Branch, Indian Policing, the Registration Branch and finally the position that he had sought for so many years, the Criminal Investigation Branch. Lorne was promoted to detective inspector on September 22, 1981 and received his Queen’s Commission.
Lorne was very proud of the fact that he had eleven relatives in police work. Over the years, several Crown Attorney’s commented on his abilities and dedication to his job.
On May 4, 1982, Lorne was working on a case involving the disappearance and murder of a woman. After working several hours on the case, Lorne set out for home. While driving home from London on Highway 401, Lorne’s vehicle went off the road west of Putnum Road in North Dorchester Township. The eastbound vehicle drove into the median and rolled over on to its roof at 8:50pm. Detective Inspector Foran was taken to Woodstock General Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
A police funeral was held at Kingsview United Church followed by internment at Mounthaven Memorial Park in Whitby. Lorne was forty-five years old when he died and was a twenty-two year veteran of the Force.