With heavy hearts, we announce that Kris passed away quickly and quietly on July 13, 2023 at his home.

 

Kris was born to Roy and Alice Thornson and was a brother to Drew, Jamie and Tammie. He spent his early years living and growing up in Winnipeg. Kris LOVED his coffee and on his frequent visit to order one at A & W was where he met his “hostess with the mostess” back in 1974. In 1977 he married, and as he would say, the “love of his life”, Estelle. They built their house in 1980 and soon filled it with their children Vince, Candice, Dave and Raymond. The house was a busy one with kids, friends, pets and children’s activities.

 

Once they were at their home near the La Salle River, Kris adapted to country living real fast. He enjoyed spending hours at the farm and loved the company of his in-laws and they quickly adopted him as a family member. Kris was quick to make friends with the many colony members living near. Kris enjoyed their visits or going over there whenever he needed something that they might have.

 

Kris took great pride in his career, working at the Headingley Correctional Institute for over 30 years, working his way up to a Managers level. He retired and used the following years tinkering in the garage and yard, helping on the Fossay farm, and doing Grandpa daycare. He enjoyed being with friends and getting together to play cards.

 

In his later years, Kris became involved at the Army Navy Air Force Unit in Winnipeg and taking charge of the weekly cribbage games. The other days of the week included playing whist, canasta or any other game that was being played.

 

While he followed the soccer, baseball, curling and football games of the kids, his line was, the only true sport there is “is wrestling”. Every TV in the house was programmed to go to whatever station that a wrestling match was on. (Sorry Kris but those PVR listings have all been deleted now).

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Kris was an extremely patient person. He knew that Estelle like to be out and about and kept busy. And many times she would, much to his dismay, offer his help to tackle a job. But he always went along and did as she asked.

 

Kris loved to cut grass (maybe not the final touches) but at least the driving on the tractor part. There was lots of grass to cut at our place and then he would be off to cut the grass at the Bethlehem cemetery. At first, he helped our kids with the job, and then as they grew up, he did it himself but in the later years, he was glad to teach the grandchildren so then would take over the job. He taught them well.

 

During the last few months, Kris was able to take on a new little adventure helping out at the Wilf’s Elie Ford dealership. He truly enjoyed this because he loved to drive and looked forward to those days.

 

Kris’ passing was very quick, unexpected but peaceful. He had a lovely evening of playing cards with many friends the night before and passed away peacefully during the night.

 

Kris’ passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of his wife, Estelle, his children, Vince (Val), Candice (Rene), David and Raymond (Mandy); his grandchildren, Alex, Emily, Jaxyn, Kennady, Mackenzey, Bentley and Bradley and his step-mother, Joan Thornson, many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and numerous nephews and nieces.

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We would like to thank everyone for their support, kind words, thoughts and prayers over this last time. We belong to wonderful circles of friends and who will help us in the days ahead. To my family you have been my rock through all of this and I love you all. We will remember the good times and get through this together.

 

On your next trip to Tim Hortons, have a Large Double Double and think of Kris!

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A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Starbuck, Manitoba.

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Kris' 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.

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I Have You in My Heart

 

Your hand I cannot touch

Still I have so many memories

Of the one I loved so much.

Your memory is my keepsake

With which I will never part

God has you in his keeping

I have you in my heart.

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Dad

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We will always remember that special smile, that caring heart, that big bear hug, you always gave us. You being there for mom and us through good times and bad times, no matter what. We’ll always remember you Dad because they’ll never be another one to replace you in our hearts, and the love we will always have in our hearts.

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~Vince, Candice, David, and Raymond

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I’m Free

 

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the Path God has

chosen for me

I took his hand when I heard Him call

I turned my back and left it all.

 

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, or play

Tasks left undone would stay that way

I’ve now found peace at the end of the day.

 

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joys

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Oh yes, these things, I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

 

My life’s been full, I savoured much,

Good friends, good times,

a loved ones touch

Perhaps my time seems all too brief

Don’t lengthen your pain with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and peace to thee

God wanted me now – He set me free!

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