Obituary of Peter Thornton

It is with deepest sadness that we share that our beloved husband, father, brother, father-in-law, and grandfather, James Wendell Peter Thornton, passed on November 14, 2022 at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital at the age of 75.

Pete was born September 29, 1947 in Woodstock, New Brunswick, the first child of Irma and Wendell Thornton and big brother to Glenn and Judy.  The family moved to Massachusetts in the 1960’s and Pete graduated from Suffolk University in Boston with a Bachelor of Science majoring in finance and accounting.

Work opportunities brought him to London, Ontario where he met the love of his life.  He married Patricia Ripley in 1973.  They were blessed with three daughters Dawn, Kathy and Becky.  They welcomed three wonderful sons-in-law into the family Jon, Jeff and Bryan.  They were blessed with nine grandchildren Amelia, Ben, Lucy, Miriam, Morgan, Wyatt, Alice, Charlotte and Quin.

In addition to his wonderful clan of Pat his wife, their kids and grandkids, Pete is survived by his brother Glenn and his wife Jane, and his sister Judy, and his brother-in-law Richard Ripley and his wife, Judy.   Several nieces and nephews love him and are also grieving his loss. His family was truly his pride and joy. 

Peter taught high school in London and St. Thomas schools.  An exciting opportunity was presented in 2003 to set up an English language school in China.  After that adventure, travel and interesting trips were regular occurrences. 

He loved playing and coaching sports.  Over the years, his Oakridge hockey team competed in City Championships.   He also coached soccer, baseball, and tennis.  He was an avid tennis and pickle ball player.

His particular interest was researching World War II, in particular the Italian campaign of his Dad’s unit in the Canadian Army.  He had been writing a book of his research, combining Military records as well as his Dad’s personal collection of photographs and diaries.  The final chapter of the book will be written in Pete’s Honour and Memory by his family.  He has called the book ‘POP’.

Memorial donations to the Elgin Residential Hospice www.elginhospice.com  will be appreciated by the Family.

Pete’s Family want to thank Dr Bezeuidenhout, Karen, Joanne, the wonderful staff on 4^th and 5^th floor at STEGH, the ER Staff, the EMS, Dr Saini at LRCP, Dr Jones.

 A Celebration of Pete’s Life will be held at The CASO Station, 750 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Ontario​ on Monday November 21, 2022.

Visitation will be from 1 pm to 2 pm, and Words of Remembrance will be at 2 pm.  A reception and light lunch will follow. 

Arrangements being facilitated by Shawn Jackson Funeral Home (519-631-0570).