Parcourez la nécrologie de Keith J Thornton Friday October 27th 2023 résidant dans la province Alberta pour le détail des funérailles
Keith James Thornton was born in Didsbury, Alberta on January 24, 1959. His mother said that it was a lovely mild day with water running in the streets.
He grew up on the family farm at Westerdale. He attended school in Olds, Alberta, graduating in 1977 with the nickname «Bush» due to his wavy big hair. He was an intelligent man and a student of life with an interest in economics and law. Like his father, he was a gifted skater. He had an instinctive way in which he just seemed to know which edge to be on. Once in Calgary, goofing around on an outdoor rink with some kids, one inquired if he played in the NHL. Also as a midget doing line rushes, they messed up their rush so he fired the puck at the net and turned back to center ice. When he got there his team mate told him to turn around and look. His shot had hit the crossbar and deflected into the back of the goaltender’s head, knocking him out. Seeing the puck in the net, he quipped «at least I scored.» (But injury shortened any attempt at hockey stardom! (with humour)) He also enjoyed playing ball: he started playing with older kids and ended as one of the old guys on a men’s fast pitch softball team. He coached Pony League kids for a couple of seasons as well and, in a pinch, filled in as an umpire. He was definitely the guy you wanted on your team as he always had your back. This was exemplified once in playoffs against Innisfail. A brouhaha started and in the melee, to protect our better players from ejection, he placed two of their players, who were much larger than he, in headlocks, one under each arm and wouldn’t let go as he bobbed up and down like a marionette while they tried to dislodge him.
As a preteen, Keith began his farming career working for neighbors, often riding a bicycle to work at Ed & Viv Finnigan’s, Grant Moore’s and Uncle Robert McDonald’s. He assumed control of the family farm with his brother, Kerry, in 1982, seeing it expand from a half section 30 cow dairy to a two section farm and 60 cows at closing of the dairy one year ago.
He also liked to innovate and design. He was calling for hopper bottom bins from the late 60’s. He designed and oversaw the construction of a barn that, when the dairy closed, could have all the inner structures lifted from sockets allowing it to be converted to other uses. He would jokingly say that it could be used to store his planes when he got rich as the one end was one large bifold door.
Keith was of a conservative nature and well understood the nature of the new economics and would often cite exactly where the adherents were taking us. This led him to become a fan of FOX News, but he didn’t take all of their commentators’ views carte blanche without confirming by other sources or waiting for facts to come out. (He was not one to get ahead of his skis.)
He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed Calvin & Hobbs and Asterix & Obelix.
Keith was the kind of person that set an exemplary example in his values, conduct and work ethic. It was worth imitating and inspired us to strive to be the best that we could be. He was always encouraging, supportive and offered good advice. This was apparent with the way he interacted with the younger generation – even to the point of surrogate «Dad» on occasion. He had a wise perspective on many issues especially those that impacted ordinary people. He was generous as he helped others financially both individually and through tithing (Although he did not usually attend church services, he was a believer and staunchly defended Christian beliefs and values and would sometimes quote scripture to underscore a viewpoint). Also, unless otherwise stipulated, he would always try to pick up the tab.
Some quotes that apply to Keith are:
«Look for something positive in every day even if some days you have to look a little harder.»
and «Always do your best. What you plant now you harvest later.»
Keith never sought the spotlight and allowed many to use his words of observation and quick wit as theirs. This trait, born of shyness, allowed him to refuse any medical help when it became apparent that he needed it. He would tell you that if it was his time that he was more fortunate than many in his length of life and would give names if you persisted in attempts to get him to seek help. He endured acute pain with incredible stoicism not letting the true extent of it surface until his last day – though it was perceptible by observers five months ago.
Keith was taken to a better place on Friday morning, October 27, 2023 at age 64 years. It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to a special and much loved and appreciated son, brother, uncle and friend – at least until we meet again.
Friday October 27th 2023
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Keith J Thornton Friday October 27th 2023..
Décès pour la Ville: Didsbury, Province: Alberta
avis deces Keith J Thornton Friday October 27th 2023
necrologie Keith J Thornton Friday October 27th 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Keith J Thornton Friday October 27th 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.