Barry Thorfen Thorson

With sadness, we announce the passing of our Father, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and Great-Great-Grandpa. Barry was born at Kinustino, Saskatchewan, the first child of three to Thorfen and Evelyn Thorson. Barry was predeceased by his Loving Wife Elsie, in May 2024, daughter Janice Roy, parents Thor and Evelyn Thorson, his brother Derek Thorson. Survived by his brother Lanny (Lorretta) Thorson, son Doug Dahl, daughters Donna (Bill) Cassin, Phyllis (Joe) Tilby, son in law Raymond Roy, sons Derrick (Gwen) Thorson and Sheldon (Sherry) Thorson.

Dad started in the Oil Patch when his family moved to Drayton Valley in the late 1950’s, roughnecked on Drilling Rigs, rig moving for KAPS Trucking, worked as a Roustabout for Flint Industries, worked Powerline Construction, Logging and other Construction jobs were mixed in from time to time as well. While working for Mannix Construction in the early 1960’s building the Resources Railroad from Hinton to Grande Cache, his time spent as an Inventory Clerk steered him to his career as a Partsman with Alberta Transportation in Edson, where he worked and formed many friendships for 35 years. In later years when semi retired, he worked as a Patron/Guard at the RCMP Cellblock in Edson. Over the years he volunteered in various fund-raising campaigns for a few charities and supported community programs with his time.

 In 1964, Dad met Elsie over a cold beer in Drayton Valley and their journey together started. Dad went from bachelor to a family man quickly, with 3 new daughters, 2 new sons and one more son to follow while they lived in Hinton.  He jumped into family life quickly bringing the family to Hinton while he worked for Mannix for a couple of years, then they moved to Edson, where they spent 55 years as their family grew to 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Pops had many talents, mechanics, carpentry and welding were things that he practised over the years and skills he handed down to his boys, fishing, hunting and camping were his favourite hobbies, with time spent playing pool/snooker and horseshoes at the Mustang Horseshoe Club. Dad was ever present for all family events and when all the family would come together in the little house on 51st Street, he was full of pride, enjoyed playing cards and watching the Grandkids play and run around. Dad, with Mom, formed many friendships in Edson, bingo, cards, horseshoes, dancing and some rowdy house parties were enjoyed with the gang. Attending Rodeos, Gymkana’s, Hockey Games, dancing, and any other events that his Grandkids and Great Grandkids were involved in were always his priority.

Barry/ Pops will be greatly missed and we will carry him in our hearts and memories always!

There will be a Family Celebration of Life at later date no formal Funeral to take place.

Donations in Barry’s name can be made to: Fisherton Maintenance Society (Pigeon Lake).

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