Thornton, William Clifford "Cliff"
Born in Hamilton on January 31, 1940, a son of the late William ‘Bill’ and Joyce (nee Hughes) Thornton, Cliff passed away at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound on Friday October 4, 2019 at the age of 79.
A longtime resident of Meaford, Cliff will be remembered as an energetic businessman and entrepreneur who devoted much energy into the wellbeing and advancement of the Municipality not only through his business expertise but also through his many volunteer hours with the Kinsmen Club and later the K-40.
Cliff was predeceased by his beloved wife Gena (nee Hawkins) in 2006 and by his loving partner Anne Clements in 2018.
He will be recalled as great mentor, Dad and grandfather by his children and their families: son Brian and his wife Sandy of Rob Roy and children Rachel and Erin, and daughter Jennifer and her husband Shawn Keily of Meaford and their children Cameron and Nicolas.
Cliff will be remembered as a dear brother by Kenneth Thornton (Bonita), Louise Bruce-Payne (Dave), Lynda Armstrong, Paul Thornton (Carolann) and Edward Thornton (Sharon). He was a special uncle to his several nieces and nephews and their families.
Cliff will be recalled fondly also by Anne’s family: Mike Masterson (Becky) and children Jana and Trisha, Kathy Markham (George) and children Alexandra, Jordan and Ben, Jim Masterson (Marti Doran) and by Anne’s great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of Cliff’s life will be held in the Galleries at Meaford Hall, 12 Nelson St. E. in Meaford on Sunday October 27th from 12 noon until 5 p.m.
A family gathering was held at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford where Cliff’s cremated remains were interred with his late wife Gena.
If so desired and as your expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Meaford Hospital Foundation or Chapman House Hospice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Memorial Gathering: The Galleries of Meaford Hall from 12 noon until 5 p.m.
Make a donation in memory of William Clifford "Cliff" Thornton
Donations: Canadian Cancer Society or Meaford Hospital FoundationDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Monday, October 7, 2019
Brian and Jennifer~
I am very sad to hear about your Dad.
I really liked Both of your parents and have fond memories of them through the years.
My thoughts have been with you and your family for months.
I know love surrounds you all.
Your Dad was a great, fun guy ….good dancer too.
I know you both are proud to be Cliff’s children
Deb Chapman
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
My heart is heavy that I have a lost a dear friend. I am forever grateful for the friendship. We had a good time and those memories will be with us to carry on. There is a party going on somewhere in the unknown. Many Blessings to the family and friends.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
To Cliff’s family,
Our sincere condolence to you on the passing of Cliff. Had many fond memories of Cliff and Gena at Kinsmen functions when we lived in Meaford. Cherish the family memories and hold them close to your heart. He will be missed by friends and family.
Allan & Rosemary Beange, Goderich, Ont.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
to the Thornton family
Sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing.
Not a close friend but many good years doing business with him.
Cliff was respected for his business success and his professional knowledge and
I never heard anyone speak poorly about Cliff.
He was a good man in a busy world.
Rob
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Brian and Jennifer so sorry to hear about your Father it is a blessing he resting in peace now and no more suffering he was a great guy
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
So sorry to hear about Cliff…he was a great man and will be missed dearly. You are all in our thoughts.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
To Jennifer and family
So very sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a great boss to work for, a good customer later on and a dear
friend whom I will miss dearly. You and the entire Thornton family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Isabelle
Monday, October 28, 2019
Cliff and Anne made many friends in Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico, over the last few years. We have lots of good memories of our times together at Bungalows San Miguel. They will be missed both here in Canada and when we travel to Mexico. Fondly, Joe and Kathy Parchelo