Search by Name

Search by Name

ALLEN THORNELL Obituary

Allen Thornell 1970 ~ 2009 Allen Keith Thornell, age 38, of Atlanta, passed away Monday, August 3, 2009 due to complications from a sudden stroke. Allen was dedicated to equal rights and opportunity. At the time of his death he was Director of Strategic Communications for CARE International a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. An active political campaigner, community organizer, and equal opportunity advocate he is remembered for his efforts in coalition building within the Atlanta and Georgia State political scenes. Allen is a 1989 graduate of Hillcrest High School and 1993 graduate the University of Utah where he was active in Debate and interned with both the Utah state legislature and the US Supreme Court. Allen also attended graduate school at Georgetown Law School. Allen is survived by his partner, Chad Prosser, Atlanta, mother, Cheryl Thornell, Salt Lake City, UT, brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Donna Thornell, Poulsbo, WA sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Chester McCoy, Granger, IN, Sandra and Kim Combe, Draper, UT, Lisa and Todd Stephens, Louisville, KY, paternal grandmother, Jean R. Thornell, Bountiful, UT, maternal grandmother, Lola C. Evans, Mona, UT. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Allen was preceded in death by his father, Peter Grenville Thornell. In lieu of flowers please make contributions in Allen's memory to CARE USA, Care.org. Salt Lake Viewings will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, August 9 and 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday, August 10 followed by a Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Memorial Estates, 3115 E. 7800 S. Salt Lake, UT. Atlanta services were previously held on Thursday, 6 August at St. Marks Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA. Rabbi Joshua Heller officiated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for ALLEN THORNELL

Not sure what to say?





Danyelle Ward

September 5, 2009

I offer my deepest sympathies to the Thornell family. I hadn't seen Allen for quite a long time,but there was a time when I lived right next door to him and the family,The Thornells, and I saw him almost everyday.
He was always a good friend to me and my family and was always sweet to all who new him. He was always and will be forever in my memories and in my heart. He really was a special person who had a magic touch with all his friends especially in a time of need. I'm forever grateful for the kindness he not only shared with me,but for the time he spent with my grandma when we lost grandpa. Grandma was very fortunate to have Allen as her real true friend to help get her through that hard time in her life. She still talks about him and how he made her feel special like a true friend that she needed. She adored him and had great respect for him as do I. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives in one way or another. Thank you all for sharing him and your lives with me while I was growing up. You're all in my heart,my prayers and memories forever. God Bless You always, Danyelle Lynn (Gilchrist)Ward

Robyn Thornell-Dellamura

August 10, 2009

Dear Chad, Aunt Cheryl, and Family,
I am so sad to hear of Allen's passing. I've spent the last hour reading the many entries on line that demonstrate the exceptional life Allen lived. I know you are proud of all he accomplished. His life is an example of courage and conviction to anyone who struggles with the fear of being marginalized by society. He was a beacon to many.

Hillcrest Huskies Class of 1989

August 9, 2009

Allen was missed at our 20 year High School reunion this weekend. We were all shocked and saddened to hear about his passing. Our sympathy goes out to his family!

Sherm & Delores North

August 9, 2009

Our most sincere condolences to a great family, the Thornell's, at their loss of a sweet, sensitive, and intelligent young man. We remember him as cute and happy in spite of his heart and health problems. May you each be comforted in knowing you will see him again. With much love and sympathy. The Sherm & Dee North Family

Cynthia Smith

August 8, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Cindy Treu

August 8, 2009

Cheryl, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your children at the loss of your son and brother. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Jennifer Scott

August 8, 2009

I always knew Allen would be someone who would change the world. Even in high school, you could tell. I'm so glad he had a full and happy life. I wish we could have gathered all of our friends from the debate team one last time before he was gone. But his influence lives on. I know many of us have been deeply affected by his life - and now by his death. He made me want to excel and inspired many of us to be better than we were. I am proud to have known him.

MIGUEL GALLEGOS

August 7, 2009

Chad and Family,

I was honored to know Allen. Several of my friends from my home state of Utah prayers and thoughts are with you. Please know District 6 here in Atlanta which I am running for city council is at a loss.

Jaquie Algee

August 6, 2009

I was shocked and quite saddened to hear of Allen's death. He was a colleague and friend who I admired deeply. I will forever cherish our work together in Georgia with SEIU and equal rights for all. Allen was amazing, smart and genuine. He will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are especially with Chad and his family. I also would like to extend a special condolence to his mother who I know he cherished.

Harry Harkins

August 6, 2009

Allen was a truly great man: a caring friend, brilliant political strategist, and tireless advocate for his causes and his communities. I send my deepest sympathy to Chad and to the Thornell family.

Vicki & Richard Nace

August 6, 2009

Allen was a very kind and genuine man. We are better for having known him. We will miss saying "Hey Allen" through our travels around East Atlanta. Flat Shoals is a little sadder today. Atlanta will miss you!

Michael Fulwood

August 5, 2009

I am truly sorry for the loss of such a great man and leader, he will truly be missed in our community. My deepest sympathy and thoughts to Chad and to Allen's family. I know for certain he made this world a better place.

Susan Winston(FTB Training)

August 5, 2009

Chad, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how devastating it can be to lose a loved one and I am praying for you and Allen's family. God Bless.

Former Senator Steen Miles

August 5, 2009

To Chad and the Thornell family, I was shocked and saddened at the news of Allen's passing. He was a dedicated community servant and caring soul who will be sorely missed. I pray God's comfort and peace to each of you during this difficult time. One of God's greatest gifts is memory and Allen left many to cherish.

Lucy Moses

August 5, 2009

I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Allen's death. I worked with Allen for a number of years and truly was inspired by him. Allen's loss will be felt for a long time.

Bob Bailey & Ron Kubis

August 5, 2009

We are so lucky and thankful to have had a voice that spoke so firmly, yet so eloquently on behalf of our community as did Allen. His presence will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chad and the rest of Allen's family. Know that he distinctly carved a place in all of our hearts and lives.

Doug Collier

August 5, 2009

What a great loss. Allen was a caring, thoughful individual with a great mind and lively soul that made it all such a pleasure to work with.

Richard (Dick) Rhodes

August 5, 2009

Chad,My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

JAMESINA BROWN

August 5, 2009

I extend my deepest sympathy to the Thornell family. I met Allen five years ago. Allen was a beautiful and caring individual. His contributions toward human rights and social justice will always be remembered and appreciated. Allen was not just my co-worker, he was a friend.

Rest in peace my friend,

Winston Johnson

August 4, 2009

Chad, I admired Allen so much for his activism and enthusiasm. He always had a beautiful smile for everyone and was a major force for creating positive change for ALL people.
With deep sympathy
Winston Johnson

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in ALLEN THORNELL's name

Memorial Events
for ALLEN THORNELL

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support ALLEN's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor ALLEN THORNELL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more