Tribute

Louis died March 1, 2021, at Sunridge Place in Duncan, BC, survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Patricia, children Anne (Glenn), Burke, Michael (Rene) and Douglas (Anne Marie).  Grandson Michael Clay Jones, with whom he shared a special bond, including adventures in duck hunting and horse racing, predeceased Dad in 2000.  Louis will be greatly missed by grandchildren Matt, Matthew, Cameron, Leah, Patrick, Marika, Alexandra, Luke and their partners as well as his great grandchildren Madisen, Adrianna, Taylor, Carly, Jaxson and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Dad was born in Regina, SK to the pioneer family of Louis and Agnes Thornton. He was the youngest of the seven Thornton children and the only son. Dad graduated from Central Collegiate and attended the University of Saskatchewan until enlisting in the Armed Forces on his 18^th birthday. He rose to the ranks of Company Sergeant Major by 21 and was attached to the Black Watch.

After his discharge at war’s end, he married Pat in Swift Current, SK in 1947. The couple moved to Saskatoon where he established and operated the first Trans Canada Airlines (TCA) office.  Now a father of three, Dad left TCA in 1958, exploring careers with London Life in Winnipeg, then purchasing and operating a pharmacy in Pine Falls MB. In 1964, (now with four children), we moved back to Winnipeg where Dad became Exhibits Manager for the Red River Exhibition.  Three years later, he was promoted to Executive Director, a position he held until retirement from the business world at age 55.

In his varied business career, Dad demonstrated a talent for anticipating the future, buying the now permanent home of the Red River Ex when it was just a wheat field outside Winnipeg city limits.  He used this same foresight to buy an ocean view lot in Mill Bay BC in 1972, where he and our mom eventually retired to their dream home, spending another 42 years together.

As Dad neared the end of his business career, he became increasingly drawn to spiritual work. He studied to become an Anglican Priest and was ordained into the Ministry in 1976. For the rest of his life, he served as a Chaplain, Padre, as a Minister and as a spiritual advisor to all who sought his wise counsel. In 1978, Mom and Dad made the move to Mill Bay BC, where they continued to enrich their community, Dad as the parish Priest of St. John’s (Cobble Hill) and St. Andrews (Cowichan Station); Legion Padre, Brentwood College Chaplain, CMS food bank volunteer, Poppy Fund Manager and too many other worthy causes to mention.  In recognition of their tireless service to others, Dad and Mom were co-recipients of Rotary International’s Distinguished Paul Harris Award.

What distinguished Dad the most, however, was his amazing ability to enrich the lives of nearly everyone he met.  He had a rare gift of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world when he directed his attention your way in his characteristically engaging, energetic manner.

His other passions, aside from his beloved wife Pat, included watching his kids and grandkids play hockey, football, soccer, rugby and baseball.   Anyone that knew Dad well, knew that he was a joker. He loved to sing, bake cookies (usually at the same time), listen to Swing Music and Dixieland Jazz, entertain and spend his time with his many friends and family. He loved a good cause and good laugh. His death has left a big hole in both in his family and his community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Malahat Legion 134 Poppy Fund or the CMS Food Bank (Mill Bay).

“Good night, sweet prince

And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Memorial service to be arranged at a later date.