Kenneth John Thorson

 “Old coats”

 January 6, 1963 – August 18, 2025

With broken hearts we announce the passing of our dad Kenneth John Thorson, also known to many as “old coats”. Ken was born January 6, 1963 to Fred and Gladys Thorson in Kinistino, SK, the youngest of seven children. The Thorson’s lived in Weldon, SK until 1968 then moved to Kinistino, SK. Ken lost his father at a the young age. He and his mother then relocated to Porcupine Plain in 1978, where he learned to work hard helping out on his stepfather homestead and trap line. Ken completed school in Porcupine Plain up until grade six. He wasn’t much for academics but had a strong work ethic doing odd jobs as a young man.

Ken and Wendy (nee Tuleta) Thorson met through dear friends Ardith and David Derenowski and were married July 26, 1986, in Hudson Bay, SK. They welcomed their first baby girl, Mandy Cora-Anne Muriel Thorson on February 12, 1989, their second daughter Sabrina Helena Elizabeth Thorson on April 14, 1992 (who unfortunately passed from this life hours after birth), and their final daughter Marina Helena Elizabeth Thorson was born June 30, 1994. Ken and Wendy lived in Hudson Bay for a few years with Mandy, and then moved to Porcupine Plain to raise their growing family.

Ken was a funny, talented, and gifted man. He often shared that as a young boy he was first place winner of the Tiny Talent competition with his song “shoo fly don’t bother me”. Dad loved making people smile. He loved being Santa, clowning around at Shand Fair, dressing up in the most ridiculous outfits at family get togethers for instance we recall him in a tutu dancing like a ballerina; just an everyday goofball. Although Dad loved getting a good laugh out of people he also cared deeply for others. He volunteered for our local fire department, helped many seniors with yard care, was an ambulance driver/paramedic, helped as a jail guard, and was part of our local search and rescue. Ken loved to learn hands on skills throughout his life – he was a meat cutter by trade, class 1A driver, heavy equipment operator, Limousine and charter bus driver, one of those jack of all trades kind of guy. When Dad wasn’t working he enjoyed hunting, fishing, socializing in the cafes, visiting the north, skiidoing, boating, playing harmonica, dancing, singing, watching talent shows and off grid living, and attending hockey games; he loved the sport and of course if someone was injured he couldn’t help but to be one of the first people out there on the ice to assist. One of Dad’s most unique talents was being able to elk call by mouth.  We will never forget the memories of sitting in the field and him calling an elk right up behind the car.

The people our dad cherished the most were his grandchildren; he loved his grandchildren with all his heart. Although Dad’s mind and will to live were strong his body was weak and he left this life August 18, 2025 peacefully in his sleep. We will forever love and cherish the memories of our loving dad and papa.

Ken is survived by his two daughters: Mandy (Patrick) Thorson-Cook and Marina (Braeden) Thorson; grandchildren: Danika Cook, Emery Thorson, Justin Cook, and Seraya Sanderson; siblings: Lillian Klamot, Dale (Marlene) Thorson, Carol (Blair) Livingston, and Ron Thorson; mother-in-law: Shirley Tuleta; sisters-in-law: Brenda (Daryl) Benson and Joanne (Bruce) Zimmerman; and brother-in-law: Tom Tuleta; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ken is predeceased by wife Wendy Tuleta-Thorson, daughter Sabrina Thorson, father Fred Thorson, mother Gladys Thorson, brothers Robert and Lorne Thorson, brother-in-law Raymond Klamot, nephew Allan Klamot, father-in-law John Tuleta, and sisters-in-law Margaret Thorson and Lavonne Tuleta.

Dad had wishes to have his cremated remains spread and to be laid to rest with his father, mother, and brother Lorne at the Weldon Cemetery. A Celebration of Ken’s Life and interment will be announced later next year. Dad dreamed to one day live in the North as the trapping and northern life style was dear to his heart. He wished to one day to access the dialysis unit being created within in the La Ronge hospital, however, never made the day to see it finished. Donations may be made to La Ronge renal dialysis unit (227 Backlund Street, La Ronge, SK, S0J 1L0) in his name. We also would love to honor our dad and his love and care for children and we ask that donations may also be made to Make a Wish Foundation (https://makeawish.ca/chapters/saskatchewan/, or 3602 Millar Ave, Saskatoon, SK, S7P 0B1) in his name.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at https://grays.ca

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, Prince Albert, SK, Lisa Bos-Atchison, Funeral Director, 306-922-4729.

 

• Date : 2025-08-18
• Location : Prince Albert, SK