Dale Thornburg

Our beloved Dale Thornburg passed away Oct. 29, 2009, after a short battle with melanoma. Dale was born June 29, 1933, in Burns, the youngest of three, to Rosella Lucille and Arthur Eugene Thornburg. They lived in Fields, then Burns, until they moved to Portland in 1944 where Dale attended Franklin High School. The family then moved to Bend where Dale played varsity football and graduated from Bend High School in 1951. In 1953, Dale graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in watch making. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he spent most of his three years of service in Munich, Germany, as a courier in the 22nd ordinance group. Upon his return, Dale started his 32-year career at Tektronix, and enjoyed being a part of a flourishing company, retiring as the ceramics plant manager. Dale married Joan Lillian Byers Oct. 17, 1959, and raised their three children: Jeffrey, Rodney and Dona Lynn in the Cedar Mill area of Portland. After Dale and Joanie retired, they moved to Prineville, and divided their time between Prineville, Portland and Cannon Beach. Dale embraced his role as husband, father and provider, spending time snow skiing, camping, traveling and watching his children's many activities. He never missed any game or recital. Dale is an example of how to live life to its fullest. He was never afraid of hard work and always enjoyed spending quality time with friends and family. His zest for life, good-natured humor and mischievous smile will live on in the hearts of his loved ones. We love you and miss you. After nearly 50 years of marriage, Dale lost the love of his life, Joanie, Dec. 23, 2008. Dale is survived by his sister, Muriel (Gale) Finely of Bend; brother, Gene (Brenda) Thornburg of Prineville; sons, Jeff (Kelly) Thornburg of Vancouver and Rodney (Lisa) Thornburg of Cedar Mill; daughter, Dona Lynn of Hillsboro; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at Valley Community Presbyterian Church in Portland, followed by a celebration of life gathering at the Stockpot Broiler. In lieu of flowers, Dale asked for donations to be made to the Oregon Humane Society.

Service

Valley Community Presbyterian Church
8060 SW Brentwood
Portland , OR US 97225
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 12:30 PM

Celebration of Life Gathering

Stockpot Broiler
8200 SW Scholls Ferry Rd
Beaverton , OR US 97008-6615
Saturday, November 14, 2009,

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