Lawrence Joseph Zayshley was born on march 11,1936 to Michael and Angela Zayshley and grew up in Tadmore Saskatchewan. He was the first born of four children coming from a family of musicians. Brothers Norman and Randy ultimately followed Lorne ’s lead and became musicians in their own right. Father Michael was an accomplished violinist and had his own band that was widely known in the area. There was always a violin and a guitar in the house, and when he wasn’t playing them, young Lorne would grab one or the other, and before too long, he could play “ You are My Sunshine ” on the violin at the ripe old age of 6 years. So, by the time Lorne was 13 years old, he had already also mastered the guitar and bass and was a regular member of his dad’s band. However, Lorne would always lean towards practising and playing the fiddle and that soon would become his instrument of choice. His first big gig on the fiddle occurred at the high school that he attended in Yorkton Saskatchewan, when he became a member of a 4 piece band called “ Memory Lane “. The band gained some prominence and recognition when they were granted their own local weekly radio show on radio station CJGX.  Upon graduating from high school in 1955, Lorne left for Winnipeg and moved in wth his uncle, who also hepled him find a job in the big city. It turned out to be a very busy and exciting time in his young life. One day early on, he met a young lady called Glenice Garrioch, and they would marry in 1958. But also during this time, Lorne began to establish himself in the Manitoba music field, playing violin and guitar with numerous bands in the city. He became known as a versatile musician that could play country, bluegrass, jigs, reels, breakdowns, he could back up songs, and of course play polkas, waltzes and Ukrainian music. He would compose his own tunes such as, the “ wedding polka “ and “ oil on the clutch” to name two. Lorne had a unique fiddle style and it would really show when he played one of his favorite tunes. There would be a big smile on his face; both of his feet would be just a-stompin’ along with the beat; and sometimes even a little grunt or two could also b heard. Now, while his musical career was blossoming, Lorne and Glenice’s family grew at the same time to five children. First came Darrell, followed by Ward, and Cindy, Bradley and Michelle. As time went on and into the late 80’s, Lorne joined the 5 piece Ukrainian Old Timers band and that relationship would carry on for over 15 years. They were a unique show and dance band highlighting Ukrainian songs and music, along with a skit or two, and they also made there music available through their many album recordings. 2 of 3 3 one of the highlights for that group occurred in 1999, when they toured ukraine and performed their Canadian prairie style Ukrainian music in the home land. Lorne always spoke fondly of that once in a lifetime experience. In 2008, Lorne moved on and joined the hwy 6 band, a 4-piece group that was focused on a somewhat different mix and genre of music. It included old time waltzes, foxtrots, polkas, breakdowns and some country, with a relatively unique sound. There was a keyboard in the group and there would be a saxophone insert in the music offerings from time to time. The band recorded over 50 tunes on 3 albums during a four year period, that clearly showcased Lorne’s considerable talent, versatility and command of the violin. As his music career was coming to a close, he was inducted in 2013 by the Manitoba fiddler’s association to their Wall of Fame. Lorne was most appreciative and grateful for such a distinct honor from his peers. Lorne truly left his mark during the 60 plus years that he contributed to the music scene in the prairies. He was born to play the violin. Lorne Zayshley…….. ……..a real legend in his time. Vichnaya Pamyat!

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