Roll Call Tribute

Published in The (Port Angeles WA) Peninsula Daily News from Aug. 15 to Aug. 16, 2016

Jack Edwin Thornton Mr.
Jack Edwin Thornton - punster, poet, music man, tree hugger and storyteller - delighted in the way his yoga instructor Betty Gowler referred to death as "putting on a new jumpsuit." Jack put on his own new jumpsuit and left this world the morning of August 6, 2016, at the age of 71.
Jack admired those souls who were attentive listeners, but there was no denying he possessed the gift of gab.
His favorite topics of conversation centered on nostalgia, nature, music, matters of the spirit, philosophies of life and death, and a bit of political banter, too.
Jack treasured his childhood growing up in Walla Walla, Washington, with his parents Edgar and Evelyn and older brother Jimmy.
During his youth, he formed lifelong friendships beginning with neighbors on Bonnie Brae, prowled for wild animals big and small to capture and admire or keep as pets (snakes and alligators included), and honed his passions for hunting, fishing and sports.
The only issue that plagued his idyllic upbringing was parental (and later spousal) wardrobe expectations. He always valued comfort over fashion. Grass-stained high tops, T-shirts and cargo pants were his uniform of sorts.
A self-proclaimed "educated fool," Jack graduated from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1970. His mentor, Dr. John Gorham, nudged him towards Texas A&M University to pursue his masters degree. After several years as an Aggie graduate student and course instructor (though he remained a WSU Cougar at heart - Go Cougs!), the Pacific Northwest drew him home.
Jack credited dear friend and fellow Coug Keith Peters for introducing him to the Olympic Peninsula where he settled and grew roots.
He founded the Blue Mountain Animal Clinic in 1980. As a private practitioner, he cared for animals and their people for more than 27 years.
Jack was minimalist in his personal and professional life. His business ethic modeled that one only need generate enough income to be comfortable, not so much as to become complacent. It was not unheard of for Jack to trade goods and services for those who could not afford to pay for veterinary care.
Jack also gave his time and energy to the Humane Society, serving as president and board member, and The Olympic Game Farm, where he was able to follow his passion of working with wildlife.
Some of his larger patients were Ricky the Rhino of the Olympic Game Farm and the Alaska Brown Bears of Fortress of the Bears in Sitka, Alaska.
In addition to his family and work, Jack pursued many passions.
He loved to read and write. He enjoyed reading The Sun magazine and books by Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and Adyashanti. He could often be found sitting at the kitchen table, blue ballpoint pen in hand, writing stories, letters, anecdotes and poetry. In retirement, Jack self-published his own book titled "Wild Life: A Collection of Animal Stories."
After retirement, Jack was officially diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. His longtime appreciation of Christian, Buddhist and Zen traditions paired with meditation helped him to accept what could not be changed. He projected peace, acceptance and gratitude throughout the journey.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Hildegard A. Thornton, three adult children, Shawn J. (Heather) Delplain, Holly P. (Jake) Thornton and Krysten N. (Todd) Wagner; two precious grandchildren, Leah Evelyn Wagner and Logan Edward Wagner; older brother James E. (Mary) Thornton, as well as nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends too numerous to name, but loved dearly.
A man of substance, Jack most valued family, friends and nature. We will carry him in our hearts always.
His family gives their heartfelt thanks to Alan Kowitz, M.D., Marion Chirayath, M.D., and the many volunteers of Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County for their uplifting care throughout Jack's journey with cancer.
In lieu of gifts and flowers, please send donations to one of the following local organizations: Olympic Peninsula Humane Society, 1743 Old Olympic Highway, Port Angeles, WA, 98362, or Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 E. Eighth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362


Funeral Home
Olympic Cremation Association
45 S Monroe Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 457-0964