ORVILLE “OT” THORESON

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, uncle, brother in-law and friend Orville Dwight Thoreson of Winnipeg on October 17, 2024 after a brief courageous battle with cancer.

Known to many as “OT”, Orville was born on November 2, 1956 in Swift Current Saskatchewan. He was the middle child with Douglas as the older brother and Wanda as the younger sister.

Orville spent much of his formative years in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan where he attended Gull Lake School through grade twelve. Throughout his school years Orville was popular, smart, eclectic in his interests, a good fiction writer, quite competitive in academic circles while being well liked by all.

Word has it that Orville maintained a low profile in school at least until grade 7. Once in junior high he and his pals could be known for ‘making mischief’ but it was mostly entertaining. Entering grade 10, Orville was making a name for himself in a wide array of school sports and activities including playing the sax although band practice wasn’t his favourite.

By grade 12, Orville was high profile with roles in the school and local paper, team captain in Basketball, a prominent spot in the A Band and being voted in as High School President.

Upon graduation from High School (1974) Orville left Gull Lake and headed to Cambridge Bay, NWT to work for the Hudson’s Bay Company as a “Bay Boy”. He welcomed the opportunity as it was a means to save money towards his aspirations of going to University. He quickly became a valued employee as he excelled at numbers and had a keen sense with data and book keeping. In addition, his leadership skills became very apparent a common attribute that was steadfast throughout his careers. Eager to make a higher wage he joined the CAM-Main DEW Line Station located in Cambridge Bay (1975). Working as a Supply Clerk he continued to hone his skills. Intrigued by the call of the North, Lynne left the glam of Metropolitan Vancouver in 1974 to pursue her nursing career in Yellowknife. In 1975, still eager to explore the North and looking for new adventures, she left to work in the remote Community of Cambridge Bay. On the very day of arrival, with mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness, Lynne was cheerfully greeted by Orville. Unknowingly, this first chance meeting became a building block for both to discover they had each met the love of their lives!

In 1979, Orville moved to Winnipeg to study at the University of Manitoba where he earned degrees in Physical Education/Kinesiology and Recreational Studies followed by post-graduate education in Gerontology. While earning spots on the Dean’s Honour List, Orville found time to be the Athletic Therapist for the U of M Bisons men’s hockey team.

In 1983, Lynne and Orville started their many years of happiness together when they were married in Camrose, Alberta. Orville and Lynne were active campers, always ready to pitch a tent and enjoy the outdoors at Caddy Lake, Birds Hill Park, Banff and other locations. They loved to travel to locations like Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic with Orville ensuring that the trip was a thoroughly first-class experience. Teaming up with Lynne, Orville became known for his culinary and bartending talents, particularly adept at grilling a darn good steak and the ultimate top shelf gin and tonic.

Orville’s passion to help others led to his career as a Recreational Director at Lion’s Place and Lorette Community Centre before taking a new path as co-owner and general manager of Brothers Restaurant, a renown Winnipeg eatery.  Orville ended his career as a member of the senior leadership team at Fred Douglas Place where he retired with distinction in 2022. The common thread throughout Orville’s career was his dedication, commitment and a laser focus on helping others. Orville will always be remembered for his kind heart, concern and care for others and willingness to help - he touched so many people.

Orville was a man of many activities and talents, living life to the fullest with Lynne by his side. He played the saxophone (who knew!!), loved music and was a fond attendee of live performances. As a member of the Fort Garry Legion, he dominated the cribbage board. He enjoyed downhill skiing, curling and excelled in pool/billiards in the Winnipeg Active Pool League. As a member of the Southend Hits slo-pitch team, Orville could play any position. He brought new leadership and players to a struggling team, saved it from dissolving and then led the team to three league championships. Orville was also know to have a love for a good Scotch.

Orville was predeceased by his mother Frances and stepfather Sam, his father in-law Gerry and mother in-law Heidi. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Lynne, his brother Douglas; sister Wanda (Dave), brother in-law Kevin (Nancy), sister in-law Charlie; nieces, Kirsten, Tiffany, Melissa, Bronwyn, and Heidi; nephews, Sean, Ryan, and Jeff; great nieces, Bronwyn, Katlyn, Alice, and Bianca; great nephew William, Mikhail, Tyson, Cruz, and Henry; great-great niece Rose; great-great nephew Everest; and many friends who will miss him deeply.  

Orville’s family would like to thank all the healthcare providers at Health Sciences Centre for the dedicated and compassionate care provided to Orville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Orville’s final gift was his donation of his eyes to the tissue bank. 

A Celebration of Life, to be hosted by the family and Ethical Death Care, will be held at 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the Unitarian Church located at 603 Wellington Crescent off Academy Road. 

Orville’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​