David was born in England on August 24, 1945, and came to Canada as a baby with his mother Rose.
David died in Invermere District Hospital on August 25, 2023, after a short and difficult illness.
He is survived by his loving wife Judy Pocha (Thornton), sister Tina (Gary), niece Ember, nephew Gary Jr. Kroonen, brother Dennis Thornton, daughter Sandra Eastbrook, son Shane (Sharon) Thornton, stepchildren Sharon (Chris) Murray, Greg Pocha.
David was predeceased by his father Sidney Thornton, his mother Rose Thornton and son David Thornton Jr.
David was a dozer operator and enjoyed his job for many years on different job sites here in the valley and numerous areas around the province. He always loved moving mounds of material and cutting grade with his dozer.
In 1983 Dave met his partner and the love of his life, Judy Pocha. They made their first home in Wilmer, BC for a few years, then off to Invermere, BC for 12 years, then moved to Radium, BC where he developed his green thumb and created a beautiful oasis for himself and Judy.
Dave was a kind and caring husband who loved to visit and share his many fun filled life stories with family and friends.
Dave adored and loved spending as much time as he could with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, they brought great joy and pleasure to him.
As per his request, there will be no service.
David’s family would like to thank Dr. Simon and staff from E.K.D.H. in Cranbrook, Dr. Walsh, the nurses and staff of Invermere District Hospital for the kindness and care shown to Dave during this very difficult time. We appreciate all that was done for him. Thank you.
MY NAME IS TERRY HOLDEN AND DAVE AND I BECAME FRIENDS WHEN WE WERE AROUND 18 YEARS OLD AND LIVED IN INVERMERE.
I MET DAVE THROUGH A MUTUAL FRIEND, WAYNE BAMFORD. THAT DAY, DAVE AND I SAT UP UNTIL 1:00 AM, SIPPING ON BEER AND TELLING STORIES. WE BECAME INSTANT FRIENDS.
THAT FIRST NIGHT, ALL THE RESTAURANTS WERE CLOSED IN INVERMERE SO WE DROVE TO GOLDEN, BC FOR A HAMBURGER. EARLY MORNING WHEN WE LEFT FOR GOLDEN TO GO HOME.
WE PARTED WAYS AND THE NEXT TIME I SAW HIM, HE WAS WORKING IN A MINE OUTSIDE OF INVERMERE. I SNUCK INTO THE MINE THROUGH A FRIEND OF HIS AND HE POINTED OUT WHERE HIS LUNCH KIT WAS AND WOULD BE COMING FOR HIS BREAK SHORTLY.
I STOLE HIS LUNCH KIT, HID AROUND THE CORNER OF THE MINE AND WHEN HE FOUND HIS LUNCH HAD DISAPPEARED, HE STARTED YELLING ‘WHO STOLE MY LUNCH’.
I CAME AROUND THE CORNER AND ASKED IF THIS WAS HIS. HE COULDN’T BELIEVE THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET INTO THE MINE WITHOUT SOMEONE KICKING ME OUT.
AGAIN, LIFE TOOK US OUR DIFFERENT PLACES AND THE NEXT TIME I SEARCHED FOR HIM WAS ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE HE PASSED. I FOUND HE LIVED IN RADIUM HOT SPRINGS. I CALLED HIM AND WE TALKED FOR QUITE AWHILE AND RENEWED OUR FRIENDSHIP. IT WAS AS IF WE HAD NEVER MISSED A BEAT.
AT THE END OF THE CALL, HE SAID YOU MADE MY DAY – I FEEL LIKE A DOG WAGGING HIS TAIL A HUNDRED MILES AN HOUR.
I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN THAT HE HAD PASSED AND MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I DEARLY MISS OUR PHONE CALLS.
TERRY HOLDEN, SURREY, BC [email protected]
Very sorry for the loss of David. Looking for a family member to contact me… you can reach me at the attached email. [email protected]
Hello Jacklyn. I understand that you have been looking for information regarding the late David Thornton. Please contact me with your questions.