|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
THORNHILL, Claude Badham - On the afternoon of June 9, 2022 Claude Badham Thornhill passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 99 years.
Dad's story is not so different from many of his generation born shortly after World War 1. Born in Coombs, British Columbia in 1922, he survived poverty and the depression and joined the Navy during World War II. He survived that as well, becoming a radar seaman receiving a bronze oak leaf for distinguished service. At the end of the war, he met and married Hulda Larson while stationed in British Columbia, the woman who became his life's love. Also typical of his generation, he expressed love through actions rather than words. He gave up his navel career to move to Hulda's home province of Ontario. He worked hard, often having multiple jobs, to provide for her and their family of four. He eventually landed a job as a letter carrier for Canada Post and retired in 1982 after a 35 year career.
Sadly, the dream of spending many relaxing years in retirement with Hulda ended with her passing in 1992. So yes, Dad was a caring and loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather but he was also a hard worker with an incredible work ethic, a determined man who would do whatever it took to provide for his family, a war hero who humbly never spoke of the days he helped save lives while fighting for a free world and, most importantly, a survivor who, against mountainous odds, created a good life for himself and the family he loved so dearly.
Dad will be deeply missed by his son David (Bradley), daughter Claudia (Mark), grandsons Robert (Tara), grandson Michael (Melissa), granddaughter Susan (Frank), great-grandsons Darren (Melanie), Tyler and Devin, great-granddaughters Shannie (Robert) and Mackenzie, great-great-grandson Trip and great-great-granddaughters Emma, Jordy, Ellie and Andy.
Dad was predeceased by Mom, daughter Lorraine, son William and grandson Arthur.
Many thanks to friends and community professionals for making Dad's last days full of love and excellent care.
A graveside ceremony and celebration of life will be held in the fall for family and friends.
If so desired, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5, 229 Van Norman Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4B6. (The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal 18 Jun 2022)
Citation for Mentioned in Despatches: THORNHILL, Claude Badham, Able Seaman, Radar Second Class, 4515, Mention in Despatches, RCN, HMCS VILLE DE QUEBEC - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 5 January 1946 and London Gazette of 1 January 1946. Home: Vancouver, British Columbia. "This Rating, while serving in HMCS Ville de Quebec in the English Channel, displayed outstanding zeal, efficiency and devotion to duty. He was solely responsible for the repair and maintenance of the Radar sets, and carried out these duties under very adverse conditions. Thornhill is to be commended for his initiative. He has made a valuable contribution to the efficiency of his ship."
Ships served in:
|
