Obituary of Eldon James Thorne

It is with great sadness that the family of Eldon James Thorne announces his passing, which occurred on June 22, 2023 at the Sussex Health Centre. Born in Havelock, NB on October 29, 1935, he was a son of the Late Alden and Clara (McEwen) Thorne.

Eldon is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn of Sussex Corner; his daughters: Ann (Craig) Haire of Waasis, and Donna Thorne of Cold Lake, AB; his sister-in-law, Grace Folkins ; and his brother-in-law, Reginald Mahoney. Eldon is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Eldon was predeceased by his sister, Elsie (Edgar Sprague and Gerald Gray), and his brothers Donald (Aileen) and Pearson (Dora); his sisters-in-law: Jean (Ford) Alward and Dawna Mahoney; and his brother-in-law, Beverly Folkins.

Eldon grew up on a farm just outside of Havelock and attended Havelock High School. After graduating he spent the next three fall seasons working in the Florenceville area during the potato harvest. Later he moved to Sussex and worked for Irving Oil driving a fuel delivery truck but also progressed to managing the office. After 13yrs with Irving he returned to school and attended NBCC in Moncton to get his bookkeeping accreditation, after which he became the office manager for the Co-op, and later mortgage manager at Central Trust. After a short stint as an agent with SunLife Eldon finished his working career as the accountant at Royal Pontiac. He then retired to his true passion which was wood working and gardening. He learned carving and fine carpentry skills with many friends including the late Jeff MacDonald. Examples of his work can be found in St. Mark’s church and the Sussex Public Library. Much dust has been swept and vacuumed up in the Thorne household over the last few decades. Eldon also turned his hand to gardening and loved to grow his dahlias and gladioluses and was especially competitive at the Sussex Flower Show. Many years he took first prize - he took the ribbons; Marilyn took the money.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where a visitation will be held on Sunday, June 25 from 4-7pm. A celebration of Eldon’s life will take place at St. Marks’s Anglican Church (4 Needle St, Sussex Corner, NB) on Monday, June 26 at 11:00am.

Donations in memory of Eldon may be made to The Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.