Gordon Carter Thorne

Gordon was born in Wilkie Saskatchewan on October 10, 1923 the only son and second child of Norman and Annabelle (Black) Thorne. When he was three years old the family moved to North Vancouver where Gordon attended school and participated in activities such as Boy Scouts and Air Cadets, sparking a life long interest in sailing, and his career as a pilot. Two months after his 18th birthday on December 8, 1941 Gordon signed up to the RCAF and became a Pilot in WWII. He flew Sunderland “Flying Boat” airplanes over the North Sea patrolling for German U-boats.

After the war, Gordon returned to Canada, but did not stay long and returned to England in summer of 1946 continuing to fly Sunderlands as passenger airplanes for British Overseas Airways. Gordon saw the world and shared his many experiences of this time of his life. He married Peggy Bryant of Bournemouth England in July of 1949 and they had their first son, Calvin, while living in England. They returned to Canada in 1951. An adventure for the small family, Peggy left her family behind for a new country, and Gordon returned to the coast to fly Stranraer airplanes for Queen Charlotte Airlines. They lived on Sea Island in Richmond, and it was while living there their second son Gary was born.

In 1955 the family moved to Calgary with a job offer from Shell Oil for Gordon, flying crew and equipment for exploration into northern Canada. Again, Gordon enjoyed this opportunity and saw many interesting places and people, sharing experiences in his charming manner. Their youngest sons, Greg and Gordon Jr. were born during this time in Calgary. In 1962 they moved to Edmonton and back to Calgary in 1970, all the while employed and flying for Shell Oil, eventually becoming Chief Pilot.

Gordon and Peggy enjoyed time with their four sons, family and friends every summer at Shushwap Lake and Salt Spring Island. They were avid golfers, enjoying cross-country skiing, camping, sailing, and fishing.

In 1979 Gordon took early retirement and they moved permanently to Salt Spring Island, building their home with a beautiful view over the ocean and islands. With their home often the centre of activity Gordon and Peggy enjoyed a wonderful social life. Their warm welcoming manner made all that met them feel special. They golfed, played cards, entertained, travelled and enjoyed life to the fullest over the next 25 years. Peggy passed away in June of 2008 and Gordon continued to live on his own until spring of 2014 when at the age of 90 he moved to assisted living in Abbotsford. Gordon was a firm believer in fitness and continued his daily outdoor walks until this winter when the weather forced him to stay inside.

Gordon is survived by his four sons and eight grandchildren: Calvin (Adele), Bryant, Chelsea (Mike), Ashley (Brad); Gary; Greg (Candie), Leea (Adam), Thomas (Kalina), Elly, Julie; Gordon Jr (Patti), Shaun (Sarah); nine great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gordon was predeceased by his wife Peggy, sisters Norma (Calvin) and Janice, and his parents Norman and Annabelle.

Gordon was a gentleman, warm, thoughtful, caring, and always interested in everyone’s life. Above all he loved his family and enjoyed his grandchildren immensely. He was held in high regard and respected by all who met him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at:

The Canadian Museum of Flight

Langley Regional Airport

Hangar #3 – 5333 – 216th Street

Langley, BC

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Fraser Valley Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.