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Michael David THORNTON

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Yale University

Michael THORNTON Obituary

THORNTON

Michael David Thornton, 59, of Winchester, VA, died Monday, September 19, 2011, in his home. Mr. Thornton was born in 1952 in Christiansburg, VA, the son of the late George William and Evelyn Christine Thornton. He was a musician with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Thornton was a graduate of the Yale University with a Masters in Music and also a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Surviving are two sons, Matthew Hadley Thornton and Jeremy David Thornton both of Fairmont, WV; sister, Darshia Thornton Allwine of Alexandria, VA; aunt, Zella Mae Thornton and husband Ed Chapman of Winchester, VA; great aunt and uncle Helen and Eugene Williams of Atlanta, GA; nephew, John Donald Allwine, III and wife, Hazel of Alexandria, VA; niece, Sarah Allwine McCraney of Stafford, VA; cousins, Esther Mae Thornton Wren and husband James and their children JohnAllen, Deeana Wren of Front Royal, VA, and Donna Gray Boyd of Columbus, OH, Dolores Williams of Atlanta, GA. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday at Virginia Hills Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA with Reverend Aaron Kraft officiating. Inurnment will be in Mount Comfort Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Edgehill Recovery Center, 315 E. Cork St. Winchester, VA 22601 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St. Winchester, VA 22601. Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer on Sep. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael THORNTON

30 Entries

Marsha Weston Morlock

May 29, 2013

Michael and I met when he had just graduated Edison HS. We had so much fun, we were so young. I missed him when we parted and followed his career, I even saw an CSO concert once whilst on a business trip to the Queen City. I still miss him. I wish I had known of his passing sooner. Rest in Peace Michael.

Patrick Sullivan

June 10, 2012

I was sorry to see this. Mike showed me what was possible with the tuba. I played next to Mike in the 1969 All-Virginia High School Band. He was a formidable talent and an inspiring advocate for music. He will be missed.

Joe Wilson

February 5, 2012

As a former student at MU, Michael made me accountable for my actions. He wanted no less than to make me a better person, not just a better musician. He did on both accounts. Although my time with Mike was short it is invaluable compared to not being influenced by this great teacher. Thank you Michael.

Nick L. Dadabo

January 29, 2012

Mike was and is a good friend, teacher and performer. All our lives are better for his presents in them. He shurely now walks in the perpetual light of the Lord's comfort and his music will endure with his students and his many wonderful performances.

Nick Dadabo

January 29, 2012

I began studying with Mike after the passing of Dr. Fred J. Marzan, my first mentor. We shared many musical moments, and great times as friends. My brother, you will never be forgotten. Once, always, Long Live! Music Hall in Cincinnati will always be "Mike's house." I am so honored to have walked on the shoulder of the tuba worlds greatest giant.

Tim Owens

January 29, 2012

Mike's passing has been tough to accept. I was a tuba student of Mr. Thornton's at Miami University from 1998 until 2002, and he was also close personal friend to me while I lived in Cincinnati. I remember the intimate knowledge that he possessed about every orchestral excerpt. He not only knew how the tuba part fit in with the brass section, but he could sing the violin or cello parts from the symphony as well! He made that Alexander CC sing! I recall on several lessons, his high range was phenomenal and incredibly loud, and would literally make my skull vibrate. Mike always had a huge heart and a great sense of humor. He and his late wife welcomed me warmly into their family. He was not only a great teacher of tuba, but a good listener and was always supportive. Mike has left a fantastic legacy to all of his students, and I am sure we will pass his teachings on to our students for generations to come. It has been an immense honor to have known and studied under Mr. Thornton, and I will miss him.

Frank Proto

October 22, 2011

I'm so saddened to learn of Mike's passing. We shared many wonderful musical experiences together with the CSO. He was one of the most talented and adventurous musicians I've known, always ready to try something new and a great advocate for his instrument.

Reston Music Camp, Reston Virginia 1967

Sandra Goldberg

October 2, 2011

I knew Mike at Reston Music camp in 1967. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Even though it was many years ago, I remember him very well, not only hearing him play in a brass quintet, but also his warm personality. I can still hear his greeting, "Hey Sandy!" My condolences to his family.

Reston Music Camp 1967

October 2, 2011

Peter Wiley

October 1, 2011

I am saddened to learn of Mike's passing.He was so generous and caring in our friendship. Mike and Sue opened their home and family to me during my years in Cincinnati, as if I were family.Mike always put others ahead of himself, and gave all of his time and energy to Matthew and Jeremy.
This is just such sad news-I wish his family well.

Mark Shaw

October 1, 2011

In the early-1970s Michael would often dine with us in the U.C. Calhoun Hall cafeteria entertaining us with his off-the-wall sense of humor. He was a wonderful bear of a guy.

M Wilsted (Lytle)

October 1, 2011

Growing up I knew Mike Thorton as "Uncle Mike". Dad and Mike grew up together and were very good friends. I have so many childhood memories with Mike in each one of them. Memories that range from trips to zoos both DC and Cincinatti, trips to the smithsonians,family dinner outtings,family get togethers at Aunt Darshia's, etc. Uncle Mike was so full of life and joy. He touched so many lives and inspired so many. I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with Uncle Mike at mom and dad's (during his visit to Alexandria, VA) with Aunt Darshia, Cousins John and Hazel a few weeks ago. What a great time we had together. I will cherish the time and memories we built together. To a truly great and wonderful man who will be missed by so many. Forever in our hearts you will be.

Susan Bestul

September 30, 2011

Mike came into my life when I was 17 years old and a freshman at CCM. We were married for 23 years and shared a love for music but most importantly, the love for our two boys, Matthew and Jeremy. I just returned from the memorial service and I was so proud of them... they both delivered very touching and heartfelt eulogies commemorating their dad. I know as they go through life they will always make him proud. I love you, Matthew and Jeremy... Always ~ Mom

Valerie

September 29, 2011

I know Mike's sons and I'm deeply saddened that I never got the chance to meet him. I know how much his sons cared for him and I see in them that Mike must have been a great man to raise such wonderful young adults. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who love Mike.

David Shaffer

September 29, 2011

Mike was an incredible asset to the faculty of Miami. His studio was one of the strongest in the Department of Music during his tenure at MU. The day that Mike asked if I would like his help with the marching band tuba section, I about fell over. Here was the principle tuba for the CSO volunteering to help with the Miami Marching Band! That was Mike. He was a fine teacher dedicated to his students and his profession. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Catherine and Tegan Hoover

September 29, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. The August weekends we spent with him and Jenny were a lot of fun, plus he made a "mean" grilled salmon. God rest his soul - Catherine and Tegan Hoover

Courtney Koch

September 29, 2011

Mike was the sweetest man I knew. He was full of wisedom he was not shy from sharing, and always looking to make people around him laugh. He loved deeply and his sons were everything to him, along with music. I will deeply miss him and pray for his family.

Kurtis Gildow

September 28, 2011

Mike was an incredible influence on my life and career. I studied with him for four years at Miami (OH), house sat for him and kept in touch throughout the years. I'll miss that incredible tuba sound, his love of history and his quirky sense of humor. Prayers and thoughts go out to his entire family.
Kurt

John Hardisky

September 28, 2011

Mike was one of the greatest mentors I've ever had. His wisdom, generosity, humor, and deep caring nature were unmatched by anyone I've ever encountered. From the first day we met, he welcomed me like a family member. 59 was far too young for him to pass. Make sure you tell the big guy upstairs about the "one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest" big guy! You're sorely missed here!

Brandon Barrometti

September 28, 2011

I met Mike when I was a senior in high school. I think that he was probably the number one reason that I got into Miami as a music major. He was an amazing musician, and he had an incredible mind. I always enjoyed our conversations, and I know that I am a better teacher today because I was his student.

Alex Lapins

September 28, 2011

Mike was incredibly generous and kind to me for a couple of very important years. I have missed him very much and I miss him more now.

Jenny Zohn

September 28, 2011

Mike was an amazing musician, extraordinary talent, caring friend and devoted husband. The years I spent with him will never be forgotten. The World is a little less brighter without him in it. I will miss you always WW... Love, Jenny (GE)

Annette Helmes-Walker

September 28, 2011

I have many fond memories of Mike's talent and humor, and the privilege of playing for him at Xavier University years ago. He was a wonderful character who surely will be missed by everyone that loved him.

September 28, 2011

Michael was a wonderful musician

Randy Hurwitz

September 28, 2011

Mike was a friend and fraternity brother in college and an inspired musician. It has been over 25 years since I have seen him which is my loss. We have lost a good man and a talented musician. Hail Sinfonia!

Diane Norton

September 28, 2011

Mike was my friend. I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Dan Hoffheimer

September 28, 2011

Mr. Thornton contributed mightily to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for many years, and the joy to which he contributed will never be forgotten by those who has the pleasure of hearing him.
--Dan Hoffheimer

Tom Klaber

September 28, 2011

I learned a lot from Mike. I still consider myself privileged to have sat next to him in the CSO as a substitute. Rest in peace old friend. Thomas Klaber(South Euclid, OH)

John Birge

September 28, 2011

Mike was an inspiring musician, a warm and funny human being, and a bright spot in the brass section during my years as an extra musician with the Cincinnati Symphony. A wonderful guy. A great loss. Many great memories of Bruckner Symphonies! Deepest condolances to his family.

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