Minneapolis, Minnesota
Thorne, Richard Charles age 81, died peacefully on February 12, 2007. Mr. Thorne was known in Chicago radio (WGN & WNUS) and commercial films for his work as a writer, director, producer, actor, and announcer. He wrote three nationally-syndicated radio programs for the Mutual Broadcasting System including "The Hall of Fantasy" which can still be heard on satellite radio. He wrote, directed and produced training films, and was the recipient of many awards for outstanding productions. Mr. Thorne taught at Columbia College in Chicago. Mr. Thorne served as press secretary to the governor of Illinois. He was an avid fisherman and reader. Mr. Thorne is survived by former wife Janice, children Janice (Dale) Kidd, Richard (Celeste Machirol) Thorne, Robin (Joseph) Darcy, and Lowell (Stephen) Wagner, grandchildren David, Dawn and Shona Lukes, Katharine (David) Mumbleau, Allyson Thorne (Dennis Casimero) and Richard Jacob Thorne, Richard and Shannon Darcy, and Richard and Thomas Wagner, also great-grandchildren Vincent and Patricia Lukes, Colin Darcy, and Auden and Kylin Casimero. Mr. Thorne was predeceased by his daughter, Alynne Lee Lukes. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Actors Fund (729 7th Ave., NY, NY 10019), St. Labre Indian School (Ashland, MT) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105) are appreciated. Visitation is Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home located at 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg, Illinois. Services Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 10 a.m. Interment Memory Gardens Cemetery. Funeral Info: 847-882-5580.
You have my deepest sympathy. I was very sorry to hear about your dad. Also, I was very surprised to hear about Alynne. I used to enjoy going to your house and staying overnight. Your family was like my family.
Mary Kawall (formerly Schoepf, then Lichner)
March 21, 2007 | Palos Hills, IL
My dad, Paul Rogers, worked with Dick at WNUS and then WGN. When dad worked at WNUS, he used to take me to the station and then put me to work writing his newcasts. Eventually, it was made official. I remember Dick interviewed me and hired me for my first "grown-up" job writing the news at WNUS. I am sad to hear that he has passed. My dad died yesterday and I'm glad there will be a friendly face waiting to talk "news" with him.
Andrea Swift
March 04, 2007 | Round Lake Beach, IL
He was truly kind and gentle and loving. I enjoyed him so much. We have all suffered a loss.
Fred Kuch
February 22, 2007
I'll miss my "mentor" for his pure professionalism, talent, knowledge and the rewarding times working with him. He, also, had a great laugh.
Vicki Kaywood
February 20, 2007
Janice, Rich, Janice, and family: I am very sorry for your loss. I will miss Richard also. He was a special and talented person. One I enjoyed working with, and talking to. Being a perfectionist, he could bring out the best in a person. Many of us had some very happy years in the theater together. Some good memories. Richard is in those memories.
Ron Napier
February 20, 2007 | Stickney, IL
Jan, Please accept my condolences. I know it was a long hard journety for you. Carol
February 20, 2007
We offer our sincerest condolences to The Family and Friends of Richard Charles Thorne for the loss of this good and loved man. Especially, we offer sympathy to my mother first’s cousin, Janice Anne Olsen-Thorne, “Tooties”, and to the living children of Richard and Janice, namely, Janice Kidd, Richard Norman Thorne, Robin Elizabeth Thorne-Darcy and Lowell Ann Thorne-Wagner, my second cousins. We also extend these offerings to the ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who are their...
Christian Olsen-Synrod
February 20, 2007 | Cazadero, CA
Dear Robin, Joe and the rest of the family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your dad was such a wonderful man.
Love
Donna Horn
Donna Horn
February 19, 2007 | Melrose Park, IL
Dear Dad: I always considered you all as my second family. I'm just so sorry that I hadn't seen you in so long. Hope you will be at peace and know my love for you.
Leanne
Leanne Solomon
February 19, 2007 | Elmhurst, IL
