George E. Thorne
Born In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: July 26th, 1924
Passed in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: July 8th, 2011
We the family of George E. Thorne are saddened to announce George’s passing on July 8, 2011, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital following a courageous battle with his ailing health.
Born in North Sydney, July 26, 1924, George was the son of Samuel G. Thorne and Mary Dooley Thorne.
He was the last remaining member of his birth family. George was a graduate of St. Joseph’s school in North Sydney, and Sydney Academy. Following his service in the Second World War as an air force navigator, George spent two years in Dalhousie University’s law program. He was also a retired sea cadet officer.
George spent most of his working career as a travelling salesperson where he developed many lifelong friendships. Before and after his retirement George was an active community member with many volunteer positions. Raising his family of five with his wife Alicia in Coxheath, George was a retired captain of the Coxheath Volunteer Fire Department. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 151, East Bay, had George fill every executive position available during his membership. His position as service officer allowed him to provide many veterans with assistance. George also held the position of zone commander for the Royal Canadian Legion. George was a past officer of the United Steel Workers of America #1064. George held the positions of both senior counsellor and grand counsellor with the United Commercial Travellers. He was a passionate volunteer with Special Olympics and served as Nova Scotia Special Olympics first executive director. George worked tirelessly for the Cape Breton Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. As the society’s publicity chairperson, George welcomed Terry Fox to Cape Breton Island and hosted him at his Coxheath home while coordinating local media services to bring awareness to Terry’s goal.
The Cape Breton Regional Hospital was fortunate to have George work as an accreditation team member, and he served 18 years as the secretary of the Cape Breton Veteran’s Hospital Comfort Fund.
George loved to golf and his Seaview buddies will always remember the “Silver Fox” and his early morning tee-off toasts. Backyard gardening brought much satisfaction to George and his Kadesh (place of peace) in Benacadie was his little piece of Heaven.
George is survived by the love of his life, Alicia, his wife of 59 years; his four children, Joan Thorne, Elaine (John) Manocchio, Bob (Patti) Thorne and David (Terry Ann) Thorne; seven grandchildren, John Paul, Michael, Tyler, Vanessa, Leanne, Chaylene, Courtney; one great-grandchild, Darnell; along with many nieces and nephews that hold George close to their heart. Family was George’s first priority.
Along with his parents, George was predeceased by his 11-year old son Hughie in 1972, his 11 brothers and sisters, Hilda, Bertha, Arthur, Catherine, Nora, Helen, Mary, Tommy, Richard, Dave and Picton.
On the request of the family cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place Friday, July 15, 2011 at S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney from 1-3 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Poppy Trust Fund, Branch 151, East Bay, 2317 Kings Road, Sydney, N.S. B1L 1C1.
Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com.
