REV. DENIS THORNTON

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• I worked with both Denis and Katherine. I have not had contact with them for over twenty-five years. I would appreciate if one of the family would contact me. I have an interesting occurrence to share with you. Arlen - Posted by: Rev. Arlen Bonnar (Friend, colleague) on: Feb 05, 2023

• So sad to hear that Dennis has gone especially so soon after Kathy. Dennis and I grew up on the Stranmillis Rd Belfast and in our teens became great friends. We were both blessed to be brought up in Christian homes though like all teenagers got up to many tricks and really enjoyed those years with other friends Our interest in Christian music led to the formation of the Hebron quartet and we visited many churches and mission halls as guest singers and speakers. At an early age Dennis went to live in Canada and the quartet stopped performing. Dennis and Kathy returned to Northern Ireland for some few years and it was great during that time for Carole and I to rekindle our friendship. Of course they returned to Canada as family ties were too strong and distance too far. However for the last few years they returned regularly to Northern Ireland and for us it was always a great pleasure to spend time with them. We will miss those visits as we missed the songs of the quartet but know that in that day of reunion through our faith in Christ an even greater song will be sung. Lots of love and prayers to the family Bobby & Carole Neill. - Posted by: Bobby Neill (Friend) on: Mar 13, 2022

• It was my privilege to serve with Dennis on the Christian Development Cte of Carman Presbytery in the early '80s. I just took a look at a couple of photos - Dennis & Harvie Barker during one of our playful breaks at a fall weekend Presbytery Youth event (with 35 or 40 co-ed teenagers) at Rock Lake United Church Camp - joy in both faces as they utilized the kids swing set full measure. We had a cohesive leadership group & the kids had a great time . . . . such that they begged that another event happen at the mid winter school break the end of Jan. Despite the Camp being inaccessible in the winter (no provision for heated quarters, a non-ploughed road in to the Camp, etc) that event was planned out with all of us sacked out together on the Lodge floor with additionally blanketed sleeping bags, the fireplace replenished through the nights, & crockpot cooking. Great memories! As Chair of the Presbytery the year of Kathryn's ordination, I felt it was my responsibility, & indeed it was my privilege, to advocate on her behalf. I remember very well her expressed gratitude. Kathryn & Dennis offered much goodness to our world for which I am personally grateful. Praise to the Great Mystery for the lives of these two dedicated and gifted people. Sending my love to all members of their family. - Posted by: Jeannie Baker (Friend ) on: Feb 16, 2022

• We remember Rev Thornton well, He severed Valley Pastoral Charge the churches of Grennridge, Dominion City and St. Andrew in Emerson. He baptized our youngest son. Always enjoyed his services. - Posted by: Glen and MaryAnne Calder (former parishioner ) on: Feb 16, 2022

• Denis' obituary in the United Church Regional Newsletter bought back so many good memories of Kathy and Denis. I was an ordained placed in Northland Presbytery from southern Ontario. To say I was out of my depth was an understatement. Kathy and Denis were so kind to me when I had the occasion to come to Winnipeg. Their hospitality always included an overnight stay, a wonderful meal, lively discussion and perhaps the chance to see a movie in the big city. - Posted by: Rev Margaret McCallum (Ministry Colleague ) on: Feb 16, 2022

• I have rich memories of Denis and Kathy. Denis and I were part time ministers at Chalmers United Church while I was the Protestant Chaplain at Misericordia. Kathy later came to Sparling United Church as a United Church Intern when I was the minister there. I remember Denis for his humor and easy manner and Kathy for her remarkable insights and we learned together at Sparling. The Creator's blessing be with them as they journey on. - Posted by: Harold W Ritchie (Colleague and friend) on: Feb 15, 2022

• Very sorry for your loss. May God comfort your family during this time. - Posted by: William Smith (Brother-in-Law to Evan) on: Feb 15, 2022

• Denis and Kathy were very special to me. Denis officiated my own father's funeral. We had such great times at university working on plays together and then as well with Marketplace Players. Miss you my friend. - Posted by: Brett Buckingham (Friend for over 50 years) on: Feb 14, 2022

• Just so sad to lose such an amazing aunt and uncle team in months of each other. Both Kathy and Denis were very dear to me. They held my hand through many of my milestones. My first real memory was being a flower girl at their wedding and then having them visit us often on Sunday afternoons - sharing worldly wisdom with my parents and my sister Marjorie and me. As I grew into my teen years they were mentors... always keeping an eye on my growth and development one might say. Later on, when I got married and moved do Quebec, they visited and even moved to La Belle Province themselves, continually showing interest as our own family unit grew. As years went by and we tragically lost our sister Ferna, Kathy and Denis were there for me. My daughter Gen and I visited uncle Denis in October, last year. We missed Aunt Kathy. Denis was already weak from losing his wife and fighting his own struggle with cancer, but true to his way, he hosted Gen and I and listened to our lives like it was all that mattered to him in the moment. What an enormously gracious and generous man. Let's be more like Uncle Denis and Aunt Kathy. Love Georgette - Posted by: Georgette Paré (Niece) on: Feb 13, 2022

• Condolences to the family. I have fond memories of Kathy and Denis from our time spent at God's Lake Narrows. As well as being the United Church minister he also served as a member of the board which served the one room Provincial school. They welcomed me and gave me a place to live when I arrived to teach in that one room school in 1963. Denis paddled me across the lake in his canoe to my school which was on the island. I believe I still have a picture of Even and Duncan which was taken in the residence at God's Narrows. - Posted by: Richard RISBEY ( Friend from the God's Lake Narrows era.) on: Feb 12, 2022

• I am so sad that we lost both Denis and Kathy. They were such warm, kind-hearted, wonderful people. They will both remain forever in my heart. Denis leaves the legacy of the very entertaining plays he wrote and produced through the Marketplace Players amateur theatre company formed with Brett in 2008. His memory will live on in those plays. Sending love and my heart-felt condolences. - Posted by: Evelyn Carruthers (Friend) on: Feb 12, 2022

• I am so sad to see this. Denis and Kathy were such dear people to me. I was so fortunate to meet them through Lydia. They were so interesting and fun to be around. They are all together now with Jacques and Lydia making some noise. - Posted by: Jackie Cantin (Friend ) on: Feb 12, 2022

• My sincere condolences Evan and Duncan. So sorry to hear you lost both parents in the last year. Lovely people - both of them. I still have fond memories of a cottage weekend your Dad hosted for a few of us girls back in the 70's. Such a kind man. - Posted by: Patricia Kuz (childhood neighbour) on: Feb 12, 2022