Kirk Thornton
February 14, 1930 - August 30, 2022
Funeral Details: Celebration of Life to be held at a later date
Kirk Thornton died peacefully on August 30th in Orillia, Ontario at the age of 92. He is remembered by his children, Kathy Wray (Howard) Barb Thornton, Trish Thornton, Bob Thornton (Lois), his grandchildren Jason and Kelly Wray (Ken Taniguchi), Chris and Andrew Foster, Ellen and Hannah Thornton. He is survived by his wife, Mary Thornton, sister, Sally Thornton, and his cousins Ted Mullet and Alice Lundon.
Kirk was born in Galt “don’t call it Cambridge!” Ontario in 1930. He met his future wife, Mary Page while they were both attending Victoria College at the University of Toronto. Kirk became a banker at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and through his career worked in many cities… Toronto, Ottawa, Chatham, Orillia, North Bay… giving his wife and children a whirlwind journey through Ontario. They chose to retire in Orillia, the favourite of all their stops.
But Kirk was more than a banker. He loved swing and big band music. He saw Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and more. He and Mary enjoyed all sorts of music and travel that took them all over the world.
Kirk cared about his community deeply. He delivered Meals on Wheels for years. He and Mary volunteered at Orillia public schools to help the young kids with their reading. He used to drive cancer patients down to Toronto for treatments. He was President of the Orillia Kiwanis Club for a time, making the yearly Music Festival his priority.
Everyone who knew Kirk agreed that he was a gentleman, and also a grammar-man. Dinner table discussions were usually about the incorrect usage of “hopefully,” or “lay vs. lie.” People who misspelled “Thornton” by leaving out the middle “n” were the bane of his existence. “No, it’s not a silent n!” Something he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
And then there was the cottage on Butterfly Lake. Kirk loved seeing all his children and grandchildren enjoy the BBQs, the games of euchre, and the music nights in the Screaming Veranda. Every morning he would paddle across the lake to the general store to pick up the Globe and Mail because he and Mary were cryptic crossword fanatics. The cottage, the family and the friends he welcomed made every summer special.
Thanks to all the people at the Leacock Lodge and LTC Home who took good care of Kirk. There will be a gathering sometime in the next few months to celebrate Kirk’s life
JoAnne McCulla
Posted on: Monday, September 5, 2022My late Mom, Edna Hawke, enjoyed working for Mr Thornton at CIBC Orillia for many years. I know they are keeping finances in order in Heaven. Rest in peace kind sir.
David Hawke
Posted on: Monday, September 5, 2022Hi Kathy and Barb…. Sad that this is the way I finally get in touch but feel that you should know you are in my thoughts during this time of transition. Mom is the very same age and holding her own, kind of. Leacock was fabulous care for both of Julie’s parents. Let us know if you will have a celebration of life gathering.
Dave and Julie Hawke
Doug Lewis
Posted on: Tuesday, September 6, 2022I got to know Kirk as a banker through serving my clients. He was
truly a treat to work with. He knew is business and was very good
for his clients and the banking system. I am pleased that he lived
such a long and useful life.
Doug Lewis
Scottt and Diane Fraser
Posted on: Wednesday, September 7, 2022Kirk was a fellow CIBC banker and for many years our neighbour in Orillia. He and Mary were great entertainers inviting neighborhood friends over for drinks each Christmas and sharing drinks with friends in backyards or at their cottage in summer. He was above all a gentleman with a quick and easy smile and a keen sense of humor. He will be missed.
Our condolences to Kathy, Barb, Trish and Robert.
Dana Francoz
Posted on: Thursday, September 8, 2022Condolences to Mary and family – Kirk (along with Mary) was so kind and generous to our family – he was a very special man!
Janice May
Posted on: Friday, September 9, 2022I knew Kirk when he headed up the Credit Department in Ontario East & North in the late 70’s. He had a reputation for being a solid banker, and a gentleman of much integrity. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience – for which I was always grateful Sincere condolences to his family.
Brian Hoover
Posted on: Monday, September 12, 2022I clearly remember Kirk as a Volunteer helping young students at Regent Park P.S. At the time I was the Vice Principal at the school. It is wonderful to reflect back on the help and joy he brought those young students.
Mary McKenzie
Posted on: Saturday, September 17, 2022It is with great sorrow that I heard of the passing of Kirk. My sincere sympathy goes out to you -his family – in your great loss. On many special occasions I was included in your family and I was always very happy to be so. Kirk was a gentlemanly man always so very kind and helpful to all. You are thought of in sympathy and friendship.