Obituary of Frank Morrison Thornton

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Moe Thornton on May 5, 2008 at the age of 80 years, after a lengthy illness. Moe was born in Brantford, Ontario on August 22, 1927. He spent his youth in Ontario, graduating from Queen’s University in 1950 with a degree in Geological Engineering. Moe heard the call “go west young man” and moved to Alberta where he started working in the oil patch. It was during this time that he met a beautiful nurse in Stettler, AB and promptly married her on October 19, 1951. They moved to Calgary and settled in Alberta where they lived together for 56 years. As a geologist Moe worked for a number of oil companies in Calgary which included Gulf, Royalite, and C&E. He helped to create the CWLS in Calgary and was a long standing member of that society. Moe was also a long standing member of APPEGA. In 1984 he took early retirement from Canadian Superior and formed his own consulting company. Moe and Ethel traveled the world. One of his favourite places was Antigua where they spent many enjoyable days over 20 years. On these trips he made many friends who will miss his dry sense of humour and giving heart. Moe loved the outdoors and some of his favourite activities were bird hunting with his beloved dogs (Point and Cobber), Badminton, riding his bike and walking. He also loved golf and a highlight was getting a hole in one on the 16th hole at the Fairmont Golf Course on October 15, 1980. Moe was a founding member of the Calgary Winter Club and participated in a number of leagues, especially the Senior Men’s Tennis League. Moe will be forever in the hearts of his loving wife of 57 years, Ethel; his daughter Michelle (Gordon), his sons Neil (Janice), Matthew, Andrew and Christopher all of Calgary. He is also survived by one sister Mary Middleton (Brantford); and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him. Moe was predeceased by his mother Maria Thornton (nee Morrison), his father Herb Thornton and his brother-in-law Ronald Middleton. Moe will be missed by all who knew him. We love him and find life a little less bright without him in it, but we know he is in a better place and he is at peace. So when at last we have to part In sorrow and in pain We know we still are joined in heart Until we meet again. A Celebration of Moe’s Life will be held at the Calgary Winter Club, Skyline Room on Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta, #102, 5636 Burbank Crescent S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsons-society.org to the charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Frank Thornton, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.