Alan W. Thornton
February 28, 1935 - August 18, 2010
Obituary
Alan W. Thornton passed away peacefully Monday morning, August 16, 2010 after a long battle of Alzheimer�s. He is survived by this wife Marianne, four children Mike, Tom, Jeff and Karen; seven grandchildren, and one great grandson. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Elva Thornton and his brother Dean. Alan was born in Lewiston, ID on 02-28-1935. He lived with his family in Lewiston until he was 14 and they moved to Centralia, WA in 1950. Alan�s dad, Dean started a teaching job at the Jr. College. Alan�s brothers joined the United States Air Force. Alan was at odds until he met Marianne at the age of 14. Seven years later, they were married in 1957. They have been married for 53 years. Alan graduated from the University of Washington and from there he started working at the Boeing Company. He retired after 39 years of service at the age of 60. Alan and Marianne traveled for the next 5 years. Alan was diagnosed with Alzheimer�s at the age of 65 and stayed at home with his wife. Alan�s favorite thing to do was watch the Seahawks football and the Mariners baseball games on T.V. Alan has spent the last five years of his life in an Adult Family Home. The care that he received there was very much a part of why he lived as long as he did. The caregivers were great and Hospice was wonderful. Alan�s hobbies were his rose garden, remodeling and house projects, taking care of the yards, woodworking, arts and crafts, traveling, cruises, sports, attending the Seahawk and Mariners games, and never missing them on television. Alan had a great sense of humor, was always the life of the party and his favorite drink was a vodka martini with a twist of lemon on the rocks.
I always loved my uncle Alan. He was a bright, happy spark of a man with a great sense of humor.
We were buddies until Alan moved to WA, Alan lived just a block away. We were afraid of the Al Lyon’s dog and Brothers Dean and Neil.
Our whole family loved Alan and have missed his sense of humor these last years. Many fond memories of camping trips,bridge parties and the synphony will stay ith us forever.
Thank you for giving as the privilege of being part of Alan’s life
Mrs. Thornton and family, so very sorry to hear of Mr. Thorntons’ passing. I remember Mr. Thornton for his great sense of humor. Even after getting on Mike for something he would come and joke with us about it. He always called me “Rios”. I always liked that. I’m grateful to have known him.
Uncle Alan was a wonderful, loving man. I have great childhood memories of the family times we spent at Grandma and Grandpa Thornton’s house in Centralia. The entire Thornton clan would be there including Uncles Alan and Dean, the aunts, and all the cousins. Alan loved to tease us kids. He had a great smile. I remember him calling Aunt Marianne, “Red”. He will be missed.
It’s been a long time but I do still remember Alan and want to tell His Wife and Family during our younger years he was a good friend. Take time to recoupe and you have to go one as Alan would want you to. Prayers and Love is sent to all of you. Joyce
Marianne,
Jeanne and I send our condolences at the passing of Alan. We know that you will find some solace with your family but they will never take the place of Alan nor the life you shared together over all those years. God Bless you and keep you. Jack and Jeanne Challender
I rember Al from our work days at Boeing many years ago.He was always a nice and fun guy.
May my wishes be with you all at this time of loss of your father. He was so blessed to have such a wonderful family.
The experience of losing someone so close and dear to us is more than difficult. But the gifts and memories they have left us will last forever … thank you Alan for the laughs!!! You will never be forgotten!
Aunt Nanny, Mikey, Tom, Jeff, and Karen Kay –
I miss Uncle Alan, but I’ve been missing him since the Alzheimer’s took him from us. He never failed to tease me growing up…smearing my mascara and messing up my hair after I had spent hours primping to go shopping. He was and will always be my favorite uncle. I can still hear the ice cubes clinking in his glass, his gruff voice harassing me, and his wonderful laugh. Cheers to you, Uncle Alan – I love you.
Many years were spent playing bridge with Maryann and Alan. We were together through the raising of our kids, retirement parties, dinners and deaths. Alan had a special
place in my heart. A wonderful tease, and a gentle gentleman.
Dear Marianne and family,
May your many happy memories of the good ol’ days carry you through this difficult time. Laughter is truly good medicine. So sorry that Mom and I are out of town visiting Cathi and will miss the service. Please know we will be thinking of you. May God’s peace rest on you. Much Love, Christi and Jay
When I was a kid our vacation to the west side of Washington state wasn’t complete until we saw Uncle Alan. He had the best sense of humor; in fact, we joked that he looked just like Johnny Carson and he did!. Uncle Alan was a special person in my life and after I married, he became a favorite of my husand’s, Mike, too. We need more Uncle Alans in this world. Love you, Aunt Nanny, Mike, Karen, Tom, and Jeff.
Allen, whenever I think of you its puts a smile on my face. You always made me laugh and I have so many good memories of you when we were growing up. Your memory will always be in our hearts.
My sister was so lucky to have you as her husband, and I was lucky to have you as my treasured brother-in-law.
Alan, after a beautiful and wonderful life, it is time to rest. Be at peace and know you leave behind many people that love you and will miss you very much…I have many wonderful and happy memories of you while I was growing up….I will hold those in my heart forever.
until we meet again
Patti
Dear Marianne and family…I’m so very sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. I have fond memories of all the fun we had at parties when we were all well and happy. My love to you all. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Kathy
Alan was always so sweet to me. I have so many prescious memories of my childhood and family holidays. He had a great sense of humor, required for survival with his 2 older brothers I’m sure. But I always remember how kind he was to me. He will be missed and remembered.
Dad I am missing you! Glad you are finually at peace and enjoying your life in Heaven I love you Your son TOM