PICTOU – Raymond Joseph Thorne, 68, of Pictou, passed away after a short courageous battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his family and friends at the QE2 Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, on August 18, 2008. Raymond was born in Pictou, the son of the late Fred and Martha (Cheverie) Thorne, and lived all his life in Pictou. He worked at Ferguson Industries for many years, and was a member of the Stella Maris Parish. Raymond lived his life surrounded by his family and friends, and his four grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda (Henderson); his son, Scott (Angela) Thorne; grandsons, Cecil and Daniel; his daughter, Stacey (Kevin) Pettipas; granddaughters, Alanah and Skyler, all of Pictou; sisters, Francis Canning, Pictou; Theresa (Percy) Steele, Pictou; Stella (Ralph) Peckham, Scotsburn; brother, Robert (Anne) Thorne, Medicine Hat, Alberta; and numerous nieces and nephews; extended family, Cindy, Samantha, and Baillie, Pictou; sister-in-law, Agnes; brothers-in-law, George (Sherry), Carl, and Mac. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers: Clifford, William, Clarence, Walter; and nephew, Donald; nieces, Colleen, Rosalie; brother-in-law, Earle; and sister-in-law, Shirley. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family, friends, and his little buddy, Simba. Visitation will take place 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday from Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou, with Father Bill Rankin officiating. Burial will be in Seaview Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to the family or the Canadian Cancer Society.