Skip to Content
ON AIR NOW5:00 PM - 8:00 PMRick Ringer
listen live
Home

Arthur Allen Thornley

Posted Dec 9, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Peacefully with his family by his side at Southbridge Long Term Care in Owen Sound on December 7, 2024, Arthur “Allen” Thornley of Owen Sound transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly dwelling just 19 days short of his 101st birthday. Beloved husband of the late Elva Bernice Thornley (nee Primmer) of 57 years.  Loving father of Elizabeth Shantz (Roger) of Shallow Lake and Bob Thornley of Manitoulin Island.  Cherished grandpa of Kristen Fitzsimmons, Ken Shantz (Nora), Lynette Tilt (Oz), Kerri Kudsia (Dave), James Thornley (Michelle), Jordan Thornley (Erin), Ryan Thornley, Joshua Thornley (Laura) and his 18 great grandchildren.  Dear brother-in-law of Betty Thornley, Bernice Primmer, Joyce Whalen, Isabel Primmer and John Grubb.  Allen will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.  Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Clara Thornley (nee Couture), his son Ted Thornley and his wife Karen, his siblings Lillian Williams, Fred, Oliver, his in-laws George Williams, Shirley Thornley, Roy Primmer, Doug Primmer, Carl Primmer, Gwen Grubb, his granddaughter Vicki Thornley and grandson-in-law Matt Fitzsimmons.

Allen will be remembered as an excellent auto and diesel mechanic, who proudly kept his all of his mechanic’s licenses renewed until the age of 95. He continued to drive himself around until he was politely asked to stop at the age of 100. He was an avid fisherman, spending many hours fishing the waters surrounding Griffith Island where he grew up with his family. After his family left the island and moved to North Keppel, he spent many years working with his father at their family run sawmill. Much of the timber they produced was used to build many local barns. Allen was also a lover of animals, happy to give scratches and treats to any he encountered and took great joy in watching the birds. He loved a good practical joke, often blaming his self proclaimed ‘twisted sense of humour’. His easy going nature and friendly smile will be missed by all who were lucky to know him.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Collins, Allen’s private PSW Kash, and the staff at Season’s and Southbridge for the compassionate care given to Allen.

Visitation will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St. W., Owen Sound, 519-376-7492, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 6-8 p.m.  A funeral service to celebrate Allen’s life will also be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, on Wednesday December 11, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior.  A reception will follow at the funeral home. Interment to take place in the spring at Bayview Cemetery.  Those wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Rockcliffe Pentecostal Church or a charity of choice.  Online condolences can be sent to Allen’s family by visiting his memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.

Contact details

250 14th Street East, Owen SoundOwen Sound 519-376-7492 https://www.woodfuneralhome.ca/