CALVIN RAYMOND THORPE

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CALVIN RAYMOND THORPE October 20, 1927 - February 25, 2015 It is with sadness the family announces the death of Calvin Raymond Thorpe on February 25, 2015. He was born on a farm near Foxwarren, MB, the first of four children to Alvin and Bella Thorpe. He had a happy childhood, enjoying playing in the school band and outdoor activities, especially hockey and baseball. Calvin began a 43 year career with CIBC in Winnipeg after high school and for many years was in Fort Frances, ON. He was keenly interested in community service and very involved with such groups as Knox United Church, Rotary Club, Manitoba Golf Association and Fort Frances Business Improvement Area. After retiring from the Bank he was very active with the Seniors Golf and Curling. He cherished his home life and his family was very important. He was married to Elsie for over 65 wonderful years and together they provided a warm and nurturing family life to Neil, Linda, Ellen and John. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and their achievements. He enjoyed hearing about his great-grandchildren. Calvin loved Rainy Lake and lake life and he and his family were among the early settlers on Hopkins Bay, including being instrumental in getting the road built. He was a natural athlete and enjoyed helping others become involved in sports for which he had a passion. In the Foxwarren area he was best known for hockey (being recruited to play junior hockey in Southern Ontario in the 40s), curling, baseball and golf. Throughout his life he applied these early lessons of fair play, determination to make things happen, how to be a good role model and how to be part of a team. Calvin is survived by his wife Elsie (MacKay) and four children, Neil (Debbie) Thorpe, Linda Thorpe, Ellen (Donald) Graham, John (Jen) Thorpe; six grandchildren, Wade Thorpe (Jody), Andrew, Jennifer Thorpe (Greg), Katy Trimble (Conan), Will Byman (Megan), Donna Hunter (Grant); 14 great-grandchildren; sister Elaine (Donald) Low, brothers Murray (Carol) Thorpe and Donald (Jean) Thorpe, sister-in-law Helen MacKay; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Alvin and Bella Thorpe; parents-in-law John and Levenia MacKay; brothers and sisters-in-law Donald MacKay, Beatrice MacKay and Isabelle and George MacDonald; nephews Ross Low and Glen MacKay; and niece Marjorie Soltys and her son Sheldon. Calvin enjoyed 25 years of retired life in Fort Frances, a community he loved and supported, and that in turn supported him. A memorial service was held Thursday, March 5, 2015, 1:00 p.m., Green Funeral Home, 600 Reid Ave, Fort Frances with Reverend Barbara Miller officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to Knox United Church (Renewal Fund), 340 Church Street, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 1E1 or a charity of one's choice. On-line condolences may be made to: www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2015