We’re deeply saddened to announce our beloved father (Thomas) Keith Thorne, drew his last breath in the wee hours of the morn September 2, 2019, at the tender age of 91. While we are devastated to say goodbye, Dad would have joked about how close he came to his exit plan: “I hope to live to 128 then get shot by a jealous husband". Dad was raised and schooled in Thornbury, ON, but his work for Kresge’s took him to many places over the early years. He returned to Thornbury then settled in Collingwood with a young family in tow. He was manager of Collingwood Cold Storage, then a pipe fitter in the Shipyards until its closing. He then proudly owned and operated Thorne’s Four Seasons Landscaping. Predeceased by his daughter Terry & her infant daughter Teal, and his partner Gaye, he will be forever cherished by his daughter Deborah, loved dearly by his son Don and his wife Tina, and fondly remembered by his grandchildren Lesley, Jennifer, Darryl, Jory, Justin, and Tylor, and his 16 great-grandchildren. Also dearly remembered by Andrea, Fred and Kieren, Darren, and close friends, Jim and Val Fox. Dad had too-many-to-count friends he treasured in the Collingwood/Craigleith area, and loved to reminisce about the good old days. His sense of humour could not be surpassed. He was a gentle soul, loved his family and his pets, was a diehard Maple Leaf and Blue Jays fan, a golfer, and a fisherman, who truly treasured his waterfront life on Georgian Bay for 45+ years. Rest peacefully dear Dad - you’ve earned your wings.
The family would like to send special thanks to the staff at Collingwood GMH, and especially the staff at the Meaford Long Term Care Centre for their gentle care and indulgence of his wonderful sense of humour.
We will be gathering at Sunset Point on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 2:00pm, to say our farewells at his late partner Gaye’s memorial bench (just south of the Inuksuk). There you’ll also find his favourite tree, a red maple - planted in remembrance of Dad. We will be unveiling a plaque at that time. All are welcome. We would also love to see you at the Legion thereafter, to hoist a mug in his honour and share a memory or two, between 3 and 6pm.