“He saw a need, and he filled it.”

That’s how Susan Lytle, fellow Ehrlo Outdoor Hockey League (OHL) volunteer and long-time friend of Lorne Mitchell describes him, and she’s certain many others would feel the same way.

Lorne volunteered at the OHL’s Imperial Rink for over 20 years. He passed away on Oct. 28th at the age of 76.

“Lorne’s first love was the family. Second was the farm. And he loved OHL. He loved helping. If somebody needed a hand, he’d be the first one there,” Susan said.

“He had a passion for the OHL,” she continued. “He truly wanted to give back to his community.”

In later years, Lorne didn’t coach as much but he still remained a steadfast presence at the rink. Regardless of the weather and even if official practice had been cancelled, Lorne still came out to the rink in case some kids showed up.

Lorne was known for going above and beyond the call of duty as a volunteer. He fixed up a room at the Imperial rink on his own dime so the youth would have somewhere warmer to suit up and the OHL’s equipment could be organized.

“He wanted to contribute to the community. He really cared about the kids, he cared about making things fair and even and good,” Susan added.

Susan noted that the OHL was not the only cause that Lorne selflessly gave his time to. He volunteered throughout the city for many years.

“A lot of people got their inspiration from Lorne. Here was this older person, who was still very active, very caring, leading the way, being a good example and a role model,” Susan said. “He showed other volunteers how it should be done.”

Volunteers are the heart of all of Ehrlo Sport Venture’s leagues. Without them, the leagues simply couldn’t exist.

“All of our coaches and assistant coaches are volunteers,” explained Amanda McConnell, manager of Ehrlo Sport Venture. “They don’t get paid. They show up and put in the work out of the goodness of their own hearts.”

Volunteers and participants alike, particularly those tied to the Imperial Rink, will forever miss the heart that Lorne brought to his position.

“This just needs to be a call for volunteers. Be a part of what Lorne believed in and did his whole life – see the need and fill it,” Susan concluded.