May 10, 1943 – July 16, 2023

It is with sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Lonnie Bankhead in his home at the age of 80.

Lonnie was born in Belloy, Alberta, on May 10, 1943. He met the love of his life in Fairview, Alberta, and married her in the summer of 1965. He and Eileen Dibb were married on July 17, 1965, and spent the last 58 years together. They had 2 children- Dennis and Shelly. The years passed, but Lonnie kept busy. He founded Lonnie’s Autobody in 1980. He was a good boss, and an even better friend. His staff there would turn into family after the years of service and friendship. Lonnie, Eileen, and the kids rang in 1986 with the completion of the home he built and would later rest in for the remainder of his life. Each year after the move to the farm (which was initially 80 acres), he accumulated farm equipment and more land. Eventually, he would come to farm over 2500 acres with his son-in-law.

Lonnie was an active member of whatever community he lived in. He coached his son in hockey, was a longtime member of the Swan City Lions Breakfast Club, was a Wembley Agricultural Society volunteer, and a Wembley Seed Cleaning Plant Executive.

Lonnie is remembered by his wife Eileen Bankhead, his daughter Shelly (Doug) Lacoursiere, daughter-in-law Nicola Bankhead, grandchildren Caitlin (Brett Jardie) Bankhead, Delayne (Brett Rees) Bankhead, and Dillan (Sam Cummings) Lacoursiere, Austin (Lisa Barrie) Green, Taylor (Tom Mealy), and great-grandchildren Nellie and Blakely Jardie and Forrest Mealy.

Lonnie was predeceased by his son Dennis Bankhead on January 13, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Bear Creek Funeral Home in Grande Prairie, AB.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lions Club in Lonnie’s memory.
Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning Society

9625 Prairie Rd.

Grande Prairie, AB

T8V 6G5

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com

• Date : 2023-07-16
• Location : Grande Prairie, AB

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