Mr. Mederick ‘Bruce’ Thorne, beloved husband of Mrs. Janet Thorne of Red Deer, passed away suddenly at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the age of 87 years.

Bruce was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland on September 30, 1935. Bruce was raised in Buchans, Newfoundland, and developed a keen interest in the Military in the 1940’s, when the main conversation was about relatives and family service in the Military.

Bruce enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force on September 2, 1955, where he began to study Navigation Systems and Engineering. He received a Diploma for an Electrical Technician from the RCAF Technical Training School on May 30, 1956.

While training with the Royal Canadian Air Force overseas, Bruce met his loving wife of sixty-five years, Janet Margaret (nee Watts) Thorne, while visiting Manchester, England. The two love birds were married at the St. Peter’s Parish Church, Stretford, England on April 26, 1958.

Bruce continued his training with the Royal Canadian Air Force and eventually, Captain Mederick Bruce Thorne received his Bachelor of Engineering Science Degree from Western University in London, Ontario on June 2, 1967.

Over the course of his lifetime, Bruce had successful careers in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Department of National Defence, Transport Canada, The Canadian Coast Guard, and the National Research Council of Canada.

Most recently, Bruce was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal for his outstanding citizenship, public service, and volunteerism.

People will remember Bruce as a very kindhearted and caring person. He was always very professional and polite, a total gentleman at all times. He was also extremely dedicated and loving toward his family.

Bruce will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of sixty-five years, Janet Margaret Thorne; his sons, Mark Anthony Thorne, and Malcolm John Thorne; his daughter-in-law, Kim Denise Thorne; and his grandson, Luke James A. Thorne. He will also be deeply missed by his sisters, Gladys Soper and Dorothy Larsen, as well as his nieces and nephews.

A Private Family Service was held. If desired, Memorial Donations in Bruce’s honor may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2023-09-15
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com