Daniel Thornton Obituary (2017) - Cleveland, OH - Toronto Star

Daniel Thornton

Daniel James THORNTON

Died suddenly after a brief illness at North York General Hospital on February 12, 2017. Beloved husband for 13 years of Christopher White. Born on February 22, 1971 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Maureen Lemieux (nee Lawson) and Rene Lemieux. Survived by his three beloved dogs: Baby, Ace, Jinkx and cat Phern. Laird of Glencoe. Grew up in Rhode Island, then moved to Cleveland, Ohio and ultimately made Toronto his home. Graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical and Medieval Studies from Cleveland State University, in 1997. Masters in Classical Studies University of Toronto, 2000. Masters in Library Science and Information Technology from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 2007. Graduate Lecturer in the Classics Department at the University of Toronto. Accomplished chef, lover of musical theatre, lifelong student. Gave generously of his time and heart. Memorial contributions may be made to Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport www.ccrt.net 1-877-783-7333.

Celebration of life to be held on Sunday, February 19th, from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. at 208 Queen's Quay West (Waterclub Condo) at the second floor multi-purpose room.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Toronto Star on Feb. 16, 2017.

MEMORIAL EVENTS

FEB

19

Celebration of Life

12:00 - 06:00 PM

(Waterclub Condo) at the second floor multi-purpose room

Send Flowers

Memories & Condolences

Add a photo

Get email updates for this page

View Printed Guest Book

Posting Guidelines FAQ

13 entries

May 30, 2020

I hated the way so many professors made me feel. But not Daniel. He was one of the most kind and generous people I was fortunate enough to encounter during my post-secondary education. I was so terribly sad to hear of his untimely passing. He was such a kind and generous heart. I am now a teacher and he remains a role model that guides and informs my work. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.

April 14, 2020

I met DJT in the late-90's in Toronto, and we kept in touch sporadically over the years. I wish I had known him better, he was an amazing guy. I hadn't heard from him in a while and googled him. So sad to hear of his passing. Hugs to Chris and to his mom. He will be missed.
-Steve Farrington
Rochester, NY

April 12, 2017

DJT,
I miss you! We were not in touch the last few years but you would randomly pop in my mind without fail. I will miss your impersonations, your jokes, your intelligence, but most of all your kindness. Maureen and Chris: my deepest sympathy.
Laura Graf (fka "Mrs Do")
Cleveland State University

March 28, 2017

I will never forget Daniel and how we spent the day of the Robert Welch University graduation together with his mother Maureen. He was an incredibly gifted professor and a good friend. My sincere condolences to his mother and husband.

Dr. Lisa St. Louis
Phoenix, AZ

March 11, 2017

I am shocked by the news of the loss of Dann. My deepest, most sincere sympathy I offer to Maureen. I know how very much he always valued education and I know also how his job completed him. We had not kept in touch, recently but to my heart, once a friend always a friend. I am so pleased that he found love and marriage. He was always such a wonderful friend that he said he and I would marry if we were unable to find partners! We each did marry and now sadly his is without him and I am without mine. Death is not the end, that has been proven to me. The spirit survives and sees and when possible makes loving contact. You simply have to be aware of the possibility and notice signs. I shall remember him always. I love you, Dann. ('I'm all set!')- private joke, people, he knows and I know it made him smile!

Michael Furlani

February 20, 2017

Chris, I am dumbfounded to hear of the loss of Daniel. I am truly shaken by this and please know that my heart goes out to you. Although I never met Daniel, I feel that I know him through your stories while I sat at your workstation. Please take the time you need to heal and move forward and cherish the life you had together. Your client, Heather

Heather Howell

February 20, 2017

Maureen, Please know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Kerie Kaiser

February 18, 2017

Maureen, my heart aches for you. I think of you constantly, and pray for you the same.
I'll always remember our trip to Toronto, spending the weekend with Dan and Chris.
Love, Kathi

Kathi Longley

February 18, 2017

Dear Maureen,

I cannot stop thinking about you and what you must be going through. My heart breaks for you with each thought of this tragedy. I know there is nothing anyone can say to comfort you so I will ask God to do that.

Love, Judy

Judy Smothers

February 17, 2017

Dear Maureen:

I cannot fathom the grief you are feeling. If prayers will help, I am praying that God will give you comfort.

Always, Nanc

February 17, 2017

Surely a tragic loss. Sending heartfelt condolences from someone who never had the pleasure of meeting you, I am simply a stranger.

We all have the Universal Responsibility to share kindness and compassion.

Best and warm regards to the family

Giselle Russell

February 17, 2017

Dear Chris:
Peter and I were saddened to hear of your husband's sudden death. We hope that you will comfort and support from friends and family. we are thinking of you at this difficult time and sending love your way.

Anne & Peter Braund

February 16, 2017

CCRT (Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport) sends our deepest condolences to Christopher and your entire family. We are so touched by Daniel's donation request - we have no words to describe how overwhelmed we are. Sending condolences, love and light. Rest in eternal peace Daniel.

Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport

Advice & Support

How to Offer Condolences

Funerals During COVID-19

Grief: What to Expect

Funeral Flower Etiquette

View All Advice & Support Articles