Obituary of Donald Parker Thorne

It is with appreciation of a life well lived that the family of Donald Parker Thorne, loving husband of Mary Lydia (Sutton) Thorne, announce his passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday, September 7, 2017. Born in Woodstock, Ontario on October 17, 1928 he was a son of the late Bill and B. Marion Thorne. Before retirement, Donald was the Welding Foreman at Gulf Oil (Oakville, Ontario). He was an avid recreational aviator, current member of Canadian Owners Pilots Association, and past member of the Saint John Flying Cub. Don was also a life-long hunting enthusiast and member of the Oakville Rod & Gun Club. Don was a keen gardener and grew the world’s best tomatoes. Don was particularly keen to discuss politics and taxes, and never without his wits. In addition to his wife Mary, Donald is survived by his children: Cindy (Randy) Smart, Drew (Rita) Thorne; and stepchildren: Wayne (Gwen) Tucker, Boyd (Mary) Tucker and Paul Tucker (Linda Cluney); siblings: Joan (Robert) Thorne, Patricia (Robert) McKitterick, Dorothy (Bill) Lucas and Gary (Bonnie) Thorne; grandchildren: Victoria Thorne, Steven Smart, Amanda Smart Thiessen, Eric Smart, Lee Somers, and Brian (Christene) Somers; and fourteen nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings Robert (Joan) Thorne, sons Derryl Thorne, Don (Barbara) Thorne Jr and grandson Brandon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). In keeping with Donald’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. For those who wish, remembrances in memory of Donald may be made to Diabetes Canada, or a charity of the donor’s choice.