Obituary of Norman William Thorne

The family of Norman William Thorne sadly announces his passing on Friday, August 1, 2008 at Alexandra Hospital, Ingersoll, in his 71st year after a valiant battle against cancer. He bore his illness with strength, courage and a dash of stubbornness. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 49 years, Shirley (nee Arbo), his five children Steve (Sandra) of Strathroy, Brenda of London, Wendy (Gary) Thorne-Cockman of Port Franks, Greg (Stacey Maclachlan) of London, Cindy-Leigh (Dan) Ovington of Embro, and his furry friend Missy Kitty. Cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Steven and Amanda Thorne, Andrea Wrobel, Ashley Misson-Thorne, Jared and Brielle Thorne-Ovington, Spencer (Julie Carrothers) and Kristin Cockman (Robb Burt). Loved Grandpa GG to Ayla May Hansen and Savannah Cockman. Predeceased by his parents Garnet & Leazetta (Devine) Thorne and brothers Gary, Rob & Ken. Survived by his only sister Barbara (Brad) Rutherford of London and his in-law Dave (Sally) Arbo of Smith Falls, Edie (Raymond) Legere, Reg (Sharon) Adams, Bernice (Bev) Mason all of New Brunswick, Marilyn (Roger) LaFortune of Penticton, B.C., and many nieces & nephews. Born October 23, 1937 in London, Ontario, Norm joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1956 where he met and kept long time friendships with Bob Hewings, Gerry Fletcher and Dale Peterson. In 1958, while docked in Saint John, New Brunswick, Norm attended a dance where he and Shirley met. On July 4, 1959 they were married and began to build their life and family together. Like his father before him, Norm was a career truck driver and leaves behind many friends from Newfoundland to British Columbia and the United States. At Norm’s request cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Norm’s Life will take place at the Evans Funeral Home, 648 Hamilton Rd. (1 block east of Egerton), London, with visitation 2-4 & 7-9 pm on Monday and one hour prior to the service to be held in the Evans Chapel on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Strokan of Dorchester Community Church officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date in Woodland Cemetery. In Memory of Norm, those wishing to make a donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be expressed at www.evansfh.ca . Evans Funeral Home (519) 451-9350 Services: Service Date Tuesday, August 5, 2008