Obituary of Gordon Arthur Thorne

The family of Gordon Arthur Thorne announces his passing on July 5, 2024. Gord was born on January 31, 1940, in Sussex, New Brunswick to the late Ivan and Dorothy Thorne, At the age of two, Gord was adopted by Susan and Leslie Shaw until his work life started at 20 years of age. He also had a foster brother Kenneth Shaw and foster sister Lois Shaw.

He is survived by his partner and wife, Joyann Thorne (nee Marr); daughter Katherine (William) Dolan; grandchildren Kathleen and Elaina Dolan, son, Aaron (Christene) Thorne; grandchildren Alexandria Petit Thorne and Madison Thorne. Their four granddaughters were very special to Joyann and Gordon.

Besides his parents he is predeceased by his foster parents, brothers, and foster siblings.

Gordon’s work life was in the financial field and served as Financial Controller with Oland Breweries and Labatt Breweries for most of his 40 years in the business world. Gord also had his own part-time financial consulting business.

He had an outstanding life of serving the community which included President and coaching of the Lancaster Little League and Lancaster Minor Hockey. Also, during his Minor Hockey coaching days two of his teams won provincial championships. Gord was a member of the management and coaching staff of the Lancaster AQ Blues winning Provincial and Maritime titles as well. He also served as Treasurer & Director of the LBR rink and Director of the Aquatic Center in Saint John along with serving as a Director of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame.

Gordon also served as Treasurer of Luxor Shriners of New Brunswick for 16 years providing medical costs, family travel, and lodging costs with their children attending the Shriner’s Hospital in Montreal & Boston.

His most challenging contribution to the Hockey community in Saint John was the development and leadership of securing a franchise in the American Hockey League with the Calgary Flames along with several other business leaders in Saint John. He served as Managing Director and Treasurer of the Saint John Flames team and served as a Director of the American Hockey Board of Directors for several years. He was very proud of his venture with the Saint John Flames, winning the 2001 Calder Cup as Champions of the American Hockey League.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle “Fallsview” Funeral Home (506) 634-1701 309 Lancaster Ave., Saint John NB. A Masonic Service will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 10:45am at Castle Funeral Home. Visitation for Gord will be on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A Funeral Service will directly be following, beginning at 12:00 PM in the Castle “Fallsview” Funeral Home Chapel; a reception will be hosted following the service. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Donations in Gord’s memory can be made to the Shriners of Saint John. For those who wish, online condolences can be made by visiting www.castlefh.ca