Obituary of John Thornton

JOHN “THUNDER” THORNTON

John passed away peacefully amongst his family on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 in Toronto.  Born October 31, 1930 in Montreal, John grew up in Westmount before attending St. Lawrence University in Canton New York.  He started his career in the investment business in Montreal before moving to Toronto in 1965 to continue his career with Harris and Partners, Pitfield Mackay and LOM.  In 1967 he would meet his beloved wife Diane with whom he would spend the next 50 wonderful years.  John always looked forward to his summer months in Kennebunk, Maine, where he enjoyed his happiest days with friends and family at the cottage on the beach.

John was well known for his sense of humour, quick wit and joie de vie.  He loved spending time with friends and family playing golf, tennis, skiing, having a glass of wine, listening to jazz, and travelling the world.  John’s greatest passion later in life was spending quality time with his 6 grandchildren.  He was a devoted father to Tara (Turnbull) and Matthew, Father-in-law to Jonathan Turnbull and Katie Shaw and “Big John” to grandchildren Ryan, Nicholas, Oliver, Max, Charlie and Honor.  He is survived by his sister, Margo Savard, niece Diana Tabak and nephew John Savard.

The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20^th.  A celebration of John’s life will be held in ST. JOHN'S YORK MILLS ANGLICAN CHURCH, 19 Don Ridge Drive, Toronto, on Wednesday, February 21^st at 11:00 a.m.  Donations in John’s name would be gratefully accepted by his favorite charity, The Salvation Army.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.