Mr. Earl Victor Thurier born October 17, 1924, passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on Saturday, November 30, 2002. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Eve; his daughters, Barb (Gord) Kadolph, and Brenda (Jim) McGuiness; sons, Gerald (Margaret), Edmund (Barbara), Lorne (Jan); the mother of his children, Mary (Al) Petersen; his stepchildren, Debra (Fred) Bednarski, Kathy (Mike) Barker, and Lorne (Darlene) Johnston; 17 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Earl is also survived by his brothers, Garnet (Moira), and Ralph; his sisters, Elsie (Hilding) Lundquist, Louise Havard, Yvonne Thurier, Laura Grinstead (Marc Huley), Donna Provick, and Theresa (Gus) Madey; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Henrietta; his brothers, Clarence and Kenneth; and by his grandson Barry Kadolph. Earl served in the military for several years. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge in Thunder Bay, joining the Royal Canadian Legion in Agassiz, B.C. when he retired. He moved to Lethbridge in September of this year and joined the Legion shortly before his passing. He was a director of Agassiz Agricultural Centre for 22 years.
During his years in Thunder Bay he worked for Industrial Equipment Ltd. selling Pioneer chain saws flying throughout Northwestern Ontario. In 1953 he started Pioneer Airways at Crystal Lake Lodge, Atikokan, Ont. Oh, HOW HE LOVED TO FLY! His passion was flying. He taught at least 40 pilots including his three sons. In 1978 he semi-retired to Agassiz, accomplishing many of his dreams. Some of those were selling real estate, entertaining seniors by playing his banjo along with his band friends. Earl got much joy from helping people. He had the gift of seeing past the obvious and focusing on the good that is in us all. A special thanks to all staff in ICU at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital and to Chaplain John Moerman who so graciously cared for our loved one as he was waiting to take his final flight. Also a special thanks to the many friends for your generosity, kindness and prayers during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed. At Earl’s request there will be no funeral held. A private service for family will be held. If friends so desire, Memorial Tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1011 - 2 Ave. South, Lethbridge, Alta. T1J 0C8, or to a charity of one’s choice. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Dr. South, Lethbridge, Alta. T1K 7B1. Telephone 403-381-7777.