GARY THOMAS THORNTON (FCPA)

Condolences & Memories (50 entries)

• Our sincere condolences go out to the Thornton Family for their loss. Gary will be greatly missed by all. Gary helped us set up our business back in 1978 and with his help was ran successfully for 25 years. He was more than our accountant, he was a great friend & truly cared in helping us succeed. Rest in peace Gary! Conrad & Shirley McClure (longtime customers) - Posted by: Conrad & Shirley McClure (Friend & Business accountant) on: May 08, 2025

• I 1st met Gary coaching two of his grandchildren in hockey. He was such a fun guy and loved watching his grandkids play hockey. He always gave you an honest assessment of how the game went. Meeting people like Gary through his son Todd made coaching fun. Condolences to Gary's family. RIP you were a character and will certainly be missed. - Posted by: Steve Sinclair (Friends) on: Apr 30, 2025

• My family and I were deeply saddened to learn of Gary’s passing and wanted to reach out to express our heartfelt sympathy … he will surely be missed. David and I had the privilege of being referred to Gary at a time when we needed an accountant we could trust and throughout the many years since he so earned that trust. His unwavering dedication to our best interests and careful attention to detail was so appreciated. We always knew we were in good hands. Gary’s kind and caring nature and his friendship has made such a lasting impact. Quite simply- we will miss him. - Posted by: Claudia Bridges (Client and friend) on: Apr 14, 2025

• Joan and Family We were very saddened to hear of Gary's passing. We have been friends since school days and caught up with your family on visits to Arizona. Gary will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely Sharon and Peter Sloggett - Posted by: Sharon and Peter Sloggett (friend) on: Dec 21, 2024

• My condolences to the Thorton family. Gary was a wonderful person and will be missed. He loved his work. - Posted by: Don Hayden (Friend/Client) on: Dec 07, 2024

• Joan and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing and I give my condolences to all of you. After my father passed Gary took care of the estate and he was like a second father to me, I knew I could look up to him for guidance and he helped me a lot. I will always remember him and be thankful for that. Janet Rodie (cousin) - Posted by: Janet Rodie (Cousin) on: Dec 04, 2024

• Hi Joan and Family, so sorry to hear about Gary, my heart goes out to you and all your family. Not sure if you remember me but when you and Gary first got married we lived down the hall a few suites in the Apartment Building on Archibald St. in St Boniface. That was your first place after you and Gary got married, we used to chum with Moe and Rose Surette Great old Memories. Sincere Condolences Joan and Family. - Posted by: William [[Jerry ]] Fizell (Real old friend ) on: Dec 01, 2024

• We are so sorry and shocked to hear about Gary's passing as we were away. Gary was a wonderful man and we had the pleasure of knowing him, Joan and his family for many years. He was always kind, considerate and patient with us as clients as well as sharing all of his expertise with being our financial accountant and as well an honorable man! We we truly miss chatting with him about his children and grandchildren and how proud he was of his entire family! Rest in Peace dear Gary! - Posted by: Bob & Debbie Lotocki (Friend & clients) on: Nov 27, 2024

• Joan and family. I just learned of Gary's passing and wanted to offer my condolences. It was a pleasure working with you over the years. I leave you with this thought. Grief is the reminder that love was present, and that even if it's no longer in its original form, that love still exists. - Posted by: Shelley Drzystek (Business Acquaintance) on: Nov 27, 2024

• Joan, Todd, Troy, Taralynn and families, I just heard the news; I am so sorry for your loss! I remember Gary fondly and in recent years looked forward to the few Bomber games I attended knowing his seats were close to ours so I could sneak in a hug. I had the pleasure of working with him to provide CGA professional development courses and loved our hallway chats about everything and anything! He was so proud of his family, his kids and then when the grandkids came along, the pride grew even larger. A true champion of the accounting field and a lover of family and friends. You will be missed Gary, rest in forever peace. - Posted by: Kristi Meek (CGA Manitoba) on: Nov 19, 2024

• Joan and family: Lawrence and I were saddened to hear of Gary's passing. In the years our boys played hockey Gary and ourselves spent loads of time talking about our families and he was so proud of all of you. Gary always had a smile for all and he was genuinely one of the good guys. - Posted by: Linda and Lawrence Koley (friend) on: Nov 18, 2024

• Sorry to hear the passing of another Cecil Rhodes classmate, keeping thoughts of his family in my heart - Posted by: Gail Neduzak (Holod) (classmate) on: Nov 16, 2024

• We were saddened to hear about Gary's sudden passing. We go back to Isaac Brock days, and were delighted to meet up again in Mesa, AZ. We had some good visits there. Best wishes to Joan and their families RIP Gary Sid & Sylvia Brown - Posted by: Sid Brown and Sylvia (Friend) on: Nov 16, 2024

• Our sincere sympathies to all the family. - Posted by: Dave and Jan Sirrell ( Hockey Friends) on: Nov 16, 2024

• There wasn't a better guy to sit and watch a hockey game with. With his good humor and excellent hockey insight we enjoyed many AAA hockey games as his grandson and our son Austin played defense together. Very sorry to hear him go, he was a true gentleman and will be missed by many near and far. Cheers to Gary, Wayne and Jackie Friesen - Posted by: Wayne and Jackie Friesen (Friends ) on: Nov 14, 2024

• There wasn't a better guy to sit and watch a hockey with. With his good humor and excellent hockey insight we enjoyed many AAA hockey games as his grandson and our son Austin played defense together. Very sorry to hear him go, he was a true gentleman and will be missed by many near and far. Cheers to Gary, Wayne and Jackie Friesen - Posted by: Wayne, Jackie Friesen (Friends ) on: Nov 14, 2024

• Dear Joan, Tara, Todd and Troy, Evelyn and I are saddened to learn of Gary's passing. He was such a great friend always making time to help us when we started in the tax business. His teaching abilities helped numerous accounting students succeed on the challenging journey to become a successful accountant. We shall miss his up beat nature, his fun loving ways and those great talks about our beloved Jets. His dedication to family especially the grandchildren was something we admired. God bless Gary, a prince of a fellow. - Posted by: Paul and Evelyn Mearon (Friend) on: Nov 13, 2024

• Dear Joan, Todd, Troy, Tara, and family. I am so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. He was a good friend to my parents and our family. I really appreciated all that he did for us and he will be missed. - Posted by: Paul Barber (Family friend) on: Nov 13, 2024

• Our deepest condolences. We have known Gary for many years and we are very saddened at his sudden passing. - Posted by: Isaac and Ruby McNeilly (Business Acquaintance) on: Nov 12, 2024

• My condolences to the Thornton Families. I met Gary and Joan at our Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran. I also had the pleasure of getting to know them better through our daughters who played Ringette together for many years. Gary was a wonderful man, kind generous and helpful. I know that he will be terribly missed. How wonderful to have so many grandchildren to carry on his name. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and was always very supportive. Peace be with the entire family as you mourn his loss. - Posted by: Liz Chammartin (Friend) on: Nov 12, 2024

• Dear Joan and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Though we don't get to cross paths often through the year, it was always a pleasure to catch up with you and Gary who consistently had a genuine smile on his face and happy to hear about what was happening in the families lives. I am thankful to have had just that kind of conversation recently with you and Gary this past fall on Highway 641 on the way home from Laclu. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jason, Heather, Aiden and Rilyn Westmacott - Posted by: Jason & Heather Westmacott (Family Friend) on: Nov 12, 2024

• Dear Joan and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Came a a complete shock. We will treasure our memories of wonderful times in Mesa, Az. We will miss his presence this season. - Posted by: Lesley and Bruce Muller (Friend) on: Nov 11, 2024

• Our Condolences go out to the Thornton Family for their loss. Gary will truly be missed. He was more than just our accountant, he truly cared about us and our business and always had time to give us great advise or to chat. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful human being. We will miss him greatly. - Posted by: Susan and Mark Hauser (patrons) on: Nov 11, 2024

• I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a nice person. Gary lived down the street from me on Strathcona Street many years ago. I have known him for a long time and he will be sadly missed. Condolences go out to you Joan and your family. Love june - Posted by: June Cowan (Dye) (Friend) on: Nov 11, 2024

• Joan and the boys, I'm so stunned and sorry for the passing of Gary. He was my baseball coach when I was 13-14 and a great guy. I saw him many times at various hockey rinks over the years as he followed his gifted grandsons through all levels of hockey. As a coach we all loved him. Couple of memories: Once at Omands Creek Field our game was going to be rained out because the baselines were too wet. We all showed up for the game and there's Gary with a couple of jerry cans of gas pouring it on the baselines and then lighting it on fire. He said that that would dry up the water. Didn't work so well. Then in a playoff game I was up with the bases loaded and we were down by a run. Count was 3-2 and I narrowly evaded an inside pitch that nearly hit me. Next pitch I grounded out to end the inning. Gary came over to me and said when the bases are loaded and the pitch is inside you let it hit you so we get the run. Don't ever do it again! It became a life lesson in all my sports - whatever it takes to win. Gary also played hockey and baseball with my older brother and was a gifted athlete. Those were the days when a goalie didn't have to be 6'4. Joan, Todd, Troy, Taralynn, Gary was a great guy and all who knew him loved him. So sorry for your loss. God Bless. - Posted by: Gary Hanson (Friend) on: Nov 11, 2024

• We are so very sorry to hear about Gary's passing. He was a personable guy and fun to be around. We had the opportunity to hang out a bit with him and Joan in Arizona as well back here at home. He spoke often, and was very proud of the accomplishments of his grandchildren. Our sympathy to Joan and her family. John and Marge Mirus. - Posted by: John Mirus (Friend) on: Nov 11, 2024

• A lifelong friendship formed during our school years and our “west end” home. Such a wonder guy - he will be missed. My condolences to Joan and his family. - Posted by: Del brady (Friend) on: Nov 10, 2024

• Dear Joanie & family, we are sooo sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We go back to Junior hockey days in Wpg & have always kept in touch. We loved to hear about both our g’son’s hockey journey & reminisce about the ‘good old’ days. We miss you Gary! - Posted by: Cliff & Lavina Dyck (Friends for 55 yrs) on: Nov 10, 2024

• Wow. So very saddened to open Sat paper on Sunday and see that Gary passed suddenly on Wed! That picture with that wonderful smile is how I remember Gary. So many memories of him as a coach for my boys and especially as a neighbour just "over the back fence"!! Joan. You and Gary meant the world to Doug and myself through our "tough" years!! Never judging and always "sharing"! How you will miss him! Much love. Lynn - Posted by: Lynn MacDonell (Friend ) on: Nov 10, 2024

• Dear Joan & Family. We are so very saddened by your Loss. Our Condolences go out to you. Al & I lost a good Friend. - Posted by: Gelinda & Al Oze (Friend) on: Nov 10, 2024

• So sorry to hear of the passing of Gary (Thorny or Pope) one of the key guys in my growing up at Isaac Brock good athlete and teammate with his faith a good role model for all of us a very highly regarded business man to Joan and family Gary always shared lots of pride for his family and grandkids R.I.P Pope love Ted - Posted by: Ted irvine and Bonnie irvine (Friend) on: Nov 10, 2024

• For years, we relied on Gary for all of our "numbers". Knowledgeable, professional, helpful. And he was also a Car Guy! When we needed help and advice, Gary was always there. Cool guy, we will miss him. - Posted by: Brian KLYM (friend & business) on: Nov 10, 2024

• Our condolences to Joan and family. Arlene and I have great memories of spending time with Gary at Laclu - Posted by: Lorne Berville (Friends at Laclu) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Dear Joan, So very sorry to hear you have lost someone so precious to your heart, your dear Gary. Please know we are thinking of you, Joan, at this extremely sad and difficult time. Our love and deepest sympathy. Love Louise and Don Pickering. XOXO - Posted by: Don Pickering (friends) on: Nov 09, 2024

• To Joan and family Bonnie and I are terribly saddened by the loss of Gary. We’ve enjoyed being friends with Gary for well over 60 years, since we were all 11 or 12 years of age. He was a wonderful person. Enthusiastic, always upbeat, and a pleasure to be with. We shared many fond memories. He will be missed but never forgotten! - Posted by: Ron and Bonnie Guarino (Friends) on: Nov 09, 2024

• I met Gary through you Joan when you took me under your wing all those many years ago. I always loved how Gary would greet me with a side hug and a “hey kiddo”. You always made feel welcome in your home and with your family. You will be very missed Gary ♥️ I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Judi McFarland (Friend ) on: Nov 09, 2024

• We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Gary had been our accountant since 1989. He was a valued associate and always treated us with the utmost respect. His knowledge and professionalism has guided us throughout the years. We will truly miss him. Sending our sincere condolences to Joan, Todd and his entire family. Rest in peace Gary. Pat and Glenn Chorney - Posted by: Pat and Glenn Chorney (Long time customers ) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Joan I was saddened to learn of Gary's passing. He will always be remembered as one of the truly good guys. My condolences to you and your families. - Posted by: Karen Bingham (Friend) on: Nov 09, 2024

• My condolences to the family. Gary was a wonderful friend and mentor to myself and so many others. His tenacious urgency to learn and study to get it right was both inspirational and formative. He was a Fellow in every sense of the word, his mentorship provided me the confidence to go forward. I hope I have been able to pass some of that on. So many great memories. - Posted by: Jimmy Penner (Friend) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Joan and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We will so miss seeing him at the hockey games cheering on one grandson or another. He touched so many lives and we are so glad to have known him. - Posted by: Doug and Pat Dobbyn (Friends) on: Nov 09, 2024

• My sincere condolences to Joanie and family. We enjoyed many years as neighbors in the CGA building. Gary was my teacher in FA1, and I passed and I think he was happier than I was. We also played in the CGA baseball league. Gary always treated my girls after the games and they loved him. Many great conference memories with him and the Past Presidents from CGA. - Posted by: Kathy LAMBERT (CGA Manitoba) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Sorry to hear about Gary. He was a wonderful man and always looked forward to our chats at the hockey rink. Our deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Pat loschiavo (Friend ) on: Nov 09, 2024

• We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing, my memories go back about 67 years. The thing that stands out for me was Gary's infectious smile, that he never seemed down, and he was the only person that always called me Davey. Our recent get togethers reinforced alot of great memories. - Posted by: David ,Eileen Rowe (Old friend ) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Back in the 70’s/early 80’s I was lucky enough to meet Gary while coaching Todd & Troy in their early baseball endeavours. Gary was at every game as a very supportive dad. Condolences in your loss. - Posted by: Bob Stewart (Boy’s Baseball Coach) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Joan & family, This is very sad news. Gary was always the nicest guy and over the years whenever we crossed paths, he greeted me and others as if we saw each other every day. Many good memories of the old Isaac Brock days will live on forever. Please accept my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Barb (Humphreys) D'Avignon (Old friend) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Dear Joan and family ..I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I remember the early days of get-togethers at the Wilson’s pool with the kids. We were all so young then! I enjoyed keeping in touch when we brought our taxes to Gary and chatted with the family. My dad had a deep gratitude to Gary and insisted on talking to him in person. He truly was a wonderful person. My heart goes out to you all at this sad time. - Posted by: karen asgeirson (Friend) on: Nov 09, 2024

• How can you describe almost 60 years of true friendship, other than to say we were very fortunate to have shared so many fond memories with Gary and his family. Gary touched the lives of many through his dedication to sports, his professional life and his accounting and tax lectures to many hundreds of CGA students (who always wanted to be in Mr. Thornton's class). He always had time to mentor novice accounting practitioners, many of whom owe their success to the start and advice that they received. In the eyes of his many friends and colleagues he was truly a "great one". - Posted by: Lorraine & Len Hampson (Dear Friends and Colleague) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. We met Gary through hockey. Great guy. - Posted by: Ross & Beryl Burnett (Friends) on: Nov 09, 2024

• Dear Joan & family, Don & I are saddened to learn of Gary’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with Gary while walking your four Yorkies. Gary had lots of interesting stories and information about your grandsons hockey. We are truly sorry Joanie💙 - Posted by: Donna Beck (Acquaintance ) on: Nov 09, 2024

• I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I have fond memories of our families spending time together. My condolences to the family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Karen Weatherby (Family friend) on: Nov 09, 2024