Bjorn “Boomer” Bud Nettleton (aka Lorensen) was born May 25, 1987, at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to Elita Nettleton and Roland Lewis Lorensen. Bjorn, at the age of 34, unexpectedly passed away on Christmas Day 2021 in Chemainus, British Columbia. Bjorn is survived by his mother, father, stepfather, Paul Nettleton, sisters Toni Lynn Rempel, Daisy Nettleton, and brothers Robert Layne Lorensen and Thorin Nettleton.

Bjorn was loved in his community of Chemainus, British Columbia, where he worked as a landscaper. Bjorn also frequented the local pub, Riot Brewery Co., where he gained infamy as a quirky rule bender who was authentic and adored. Bjorn was infamous for wearing a turf (fake grass) poncho to the pub. The regulars at Riot Brewery pub and his employers all loved Bjorn so much that they kindly hosted a celebration of life for him on May 28, 2022.

At the celebration of life, Bjorn’s friends spoke, sang, cried, laughed, and celebrated how Bjorn affected their lives and souls. Mr. Cooper, a business owner who employed Bjorn and became Bjorn’s close friend, reported that his life had gotten him down when he met Bjorn. Mr. Cooper described Bjorn as authentic and said Bjorn gave him a new and positive perspective on how he sees the world. He cried as he described how much he would miss Bjorn’s presence.

Bjorn was an artist. He drew, sculpted, sang, composed music, and wrote poetry. Bjorn was notorious for imitating a chicken cluck “bAH Kah!!” Bjorn loved plants and woodwork and had a cat he took around town in a stroller because it was missing its two hind legs. Bjorn had made “rear tires” for the cat to cruise around better. Bjorn may have been eccentric, but he was kind, empathetic and loving.

Bjorn had many physical and circumstantial challenges, which made his life such that he could have easily been angry and resentful. Instead, Bjorn was accepting, open-hearted and happy. Mrs. Cooper, the owner of a popular local soap company, employed Bjorn and quickly became his friend. She reported that just a few days before Bjorn passed, she asked Bjorn if he was happy, to which he replied that he had never been happier in his life.

After his passing, Bjorn’s mother, Elita, was kind enough to share Bjorn’s ashes with his many families and friends. Riot Brewery pub sealed some of Bjorn’s ashes in a beer can with a “Bjorn” label. The label has a picture of Bjorn and his nickname, “Boomer.” The beer can with his ashes is kept on a shelf at Riot Brewery in Chemainus, British Columbia.

Elita spread some of Bjorn’s ashes on May 28, 2022, at his favourite beach in Chemainus. The beach is located just down the street from where he lived at the time of his passing. Bjorn rented the top suite of a house with a patio facing the ocean and stained-glass octagon-shaped windows on either side. Although Bjorn was probably the least materialistic person many have known, he had an ocean view when he passed.

Finally, on Sunday, September 4, 2022, Bjorn will be laid to rest in Lily Plain Cemetery. Bjorn’s ashes will be placed at his grandmother’s feet, Frieda Janette Lorensen’s (Pocha) grave site. Afterwards, those who wish to visit may meet at Shenanigans Bistro Coffee & Dessert Bar in Prince Albert.

• Date : 2022-09-02
• Location : Prince Albert, SK