It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Ralph D. Thornton, "Grump," on Tuesday November 7, 2023 at the Oromocto Public Hospital, Oromocto, NB.
Born in Pokiok, NB, son of the late Arthur and Minnie (Grant) Thornton.
Dad met our mom, the love of his life, when she was 16 in St. Croix, N.B. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past June and there was never a day that Dad did not say marrying her was "the best $10 I ever spent!"
Grump represented stability and was our family’s anchor throughout our lives. An outstanding example of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
A lifelong woodsman, he was extremely proud of being a pulp cutter and a self-employed woods contractor. His passion for working in the woods began when he started logging in the camps in Boiestown, N.B. at the age of 13. He started working with the horses then progressed to the Bombardier and finished with Cable Skidders. Dad often said that he was "born to work in the woods," and was fortunate that he was able to experience the advancements in the industry for better, or for worse.
An avid outdoorsman, who cherished his camp time in the fall, to him, his "Bears Den" was sacred.
Ralph was a devoted husband, dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather who was extremely proud of his family. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Phyllis (Scott), children Tammy and Ralph (Angela), grandchildren Courtney (Korey), Jordon (Tyler), Somer (Mark) and Ralph, great grandchildren Luca, Zack, Lucy, and Andie, siblings Donna DeMerchant (Fred) and Jack Thornton (Gloria) and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Shalta, Robert, and sister Darlene.
Resting at The S.O. Mehan and Son Funeral Home Ltd, 23 Main Street St. Stephen, NB from where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at 1:30 pm. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday November 10th, from 2 -4 and 6 – 8 pm.
Interment will at 3:30 pm at Rockland Cemetery, McAdam, NB.
For those who wish, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to the Andersonville United Baptist Church or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca