THORNTON OWEN O'LANEY

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THORNTON OWEN O'LANEY

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle Thornton Owen O'Laney on March 26, 2026, at the age of 63 years.

Thor leaves to mourn, his wife Kim; his children, Andrea (Cole), and Waylon (Megarah); grandchildren, JJ, Drew, Nash, Colt, and Ella; siblings, Dave (Bridget), Eva (Gerald), Carol (Wayne), Maureen (Baz), Tammy (Randy), and Rene; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Thor was predeceased by his mother, Marie Madeline Sinclair; father, Alexander Joseph O'Laney; stepfather Albany St Croix; mother-in-law Maggie Stevens; brother-in-law Greg Guimond; sister Colleen Twoheart; and brothers, Bernard, Patrick, and Alexander Junior O’Laney; nephews, Ricky Twoheart, Travis O’Laney, Adam Bruyere, Morley Courchene and Teran O’Laney; nieces, Dana Sinclair, Berry and Anna O’Laney and great-niece Danielle Twoheart.

Thor was a great father to his two children. He loved them dearly and was so proud of each of them. He was a wonderful grandfather to his five grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. He also loved his daughter-in-law Megarah and he was so happy that he was able to meet the new granddaughter before he passed. Thor was a loving husband to his wife of 24 years. Thor married the love of his life, Kim, in May of 2002. He was the rock of his family and he was loved so much by his wife, children and grandchildren as well.

Thor graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2000. He enjoyed his university days. He made many friends and advocated for an Aboriginal centre. He also completed his Land Management certification and worked as the Land’s Manager. He helped to create maps and solved many land issues as well. He also worked as a youth counselor at the treatment centre in his younger years.

He had a big heart and family and friends were drawn to him with his caring and encouraging ways. He would light up a room with his energy and charisma.

Thor was an outdoorsman who craved adventure. He enjoyed canoeing down catfish creek and along the shorelines and rivers. His greatest joy was spending his time at his off-grid cabin where he felt the most at home. He took pride in his cabin and loved camping there in the warmer months.

Thor was a tree planter in his younger days and planted many beautiful forests. He took horticulture and landscaping courses as well. He was always planting gardens and left many beautiful landscapes to admire in his memory. He had the greenest thumb.

Thor enjoyed being on the land and took pride in passing his knowledge of the land down to his family and friends. He loved to share stories of his adventures, such as canoeing to Devil’s Island or snaring rabbits for the elders when he was a young boy.

Thor was also a musician. He loved playing his guitar and singing.

Thor enjoyed the simpler things in life and he loved spending time in nature. He also loved feeding the birds. He was an awesome photographer and captured many beautiful pictures of his fun-filled adventures and breathtaking sceneries, including many amazing sunrises and sunsets.

Despite the challenges Thor experienced in his life he still had a great faith and belief in God. He was comforted by having all his children and grandchildren together for one last visit. Thor passed peacefully with his wife and children by his side.

Thor will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Wake service was held at his residence, 11 North Shore Rd., Powerview, MB, Tuesday, March 31 to April 2, 2026. Funeral service was held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Christ Church Anglican, Sagkeeng First Nation, MB, at 2:00 p.m., with Reverends Nancy and Richard Bruyere officiating. Interment at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Spirit Road Funeral Services Inc., PO Box 200, Fort Alexander, Manitoba, R0E 0P0, 204-340-6490 or friends may leave a message of sympathy at spiritroadfunerals@gmail.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2026