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JOHN LAWRENCE THISTLETHWAITE

Born: Nov 24, 1916

Date of Passing: Apr 19, 2012

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JOHN LAWRENCE THISTLETHWAITE On April 19, 2012 in his 96th year John fell asleep in the Lord, at home and in his bed. John was predeceased by his wife Kathleen, his brother Robert, two older sisters during the postwar flu pandemic, daughter-in-law Gail Curry, and daughter Rosalind Hudson. He is survived by sons John Thistlethwaite (Lorraine) and their children, Tom Thistlethwaite (Tracey), Kit Palfy (Lou) of St. Albert, AB and their children and grandchildren, Fred Curry, Jay Doe (Alan) and their daughter and granddaughter, Nick Curry (Debbie) and their children, and son-in-law Rick Hudson and his children and grandchildren. John was born in Winnipeg November 24, 1916 to John and Florence in his grandmother Garrett's home on York Avenue. He lived for the first few years of his life at the foot of Smith Street, briefly in the West End, and then moved to 545 St. Anne's Road across from the former Lavallee School. His father and maternal grandfather were carpenters and built a home for the family at 545, in addition to building many homes along St. Anne's. His mother was an independent business woman. With her sons, she raised chickens and cattle and sold the milk, butter, cream, eggs and meat both in a storefront on St. Anne's and by delivery. He attended Norberry School and graduated from Glenlawn. He served in Europe during the Second World War as a member of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. He was discharged honourably with the rank of Lieutenant. He returned home, worked for Great West Life, completed his degree in education and became a teacher and principal in the St. Vital School Division. While principal of Glenlawn, he met Kathleen. They married in 1961 and moved to Crescentwood. He completed his teaching career at River Heights School. John was an avid golfer, bowler, and patron of the arts in Winnipeg. He loved sports cars and owned and drove a series of Jaguars, BMWs and an Audi. Like his father and grandfathers, he was an accomplished carpenter and built many pieces of furniture for his home on Dorchester. He and Kathleen enjoyed travelling abroad. During these trips he indulged his interest in hand pulled rugs, many of which now grace his home. He enjoyed golfing holidays, initially with his brother Robert, and then with son-in-law Lou, for which they travelled to points east, south, and west. He was an audiophile with an excellent collection of 78's and 33's along with what in their day were state of the art sound systems. He was a long time member of the choir at St. Mark's in St. Vital and joined the choir at St. George's Crescentwood. He also used to sing in the Men's Philharmonic Choir. John was an excellent cook and baker and used to enjoy preparing festive meals and treats for the entire family. His cakes, pies, buns, and cinnamon rolls were always welcomed by family members. The family cottage at 19 Matlock Road was a favourite place for relaxation, golf, Scrabble, and making jam and jelly. John was also a story teller of some distinction and used to regale visitors to his home with tales of the early history of St. Vital. Much loved, greatly missed. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2012 4:30 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church Crescentwood, corner of Grosvenor and Wilton, Rev. Lyndon Hutchison-Hounsell officiating, with reception to follow in the Church Hall. Interment will take place at a later date. Cropo Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2012

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • Read the "In Memoriam" in the U. of M. Newsletter: Great memories of a great teacher: even my four children could recite some of his classic expressions: "Turn the volume down please" and "No Arcs-No Marks"...Thank you for helping make me become who I am today. Lorne Rosenfield M.D. U. of M. 1980 - Posted by: Lorne k Rosenfield M.D. (former student at Kelvin High School) on: Sep 25, 2012

  • Always good memories of JT. At the time the Jaguars were unique and we remembered and talked about them. I thought the students would have run him into the ground before now. Glad to see he went this far, I should be so lucky. - Posted by: Brian Clifford (Former Glenlawn student) on: Apr 26, 2012

  • So many memories of my days at Glenlawn and Mr. Thistlethwaite and that wonderful Jag sports car. He was a great mentor for all of us. - Posted by: June St. Germain Wilson (Student) on: Apr 24, 2012

  • I think I may have spent more time as a guest in Mr Thistlethwaite's office than in the classroom. He spoke of his Mark II, my ancient Morris,(my choice of an inappropriate parking spot in the teachers' area) and should I ever wish to own a Jaguar, I should, perhaps work a little harder. I eventually did work harder and I too acquired a Jaguar. Thank you Mr. Thistlewaite. - Posted by: Jim Flower (Former Glenlawn Student) on: Apr 24, 2012

  • Mr. Thistlethwaite was a patient man. I was a rebellious student and ended up in the office more often than was recommended, but he always listened to my sometimes outrageous stories and then gave me perfectly reasonable advice. I never felt he held a grudge or labelled me "a bad kid". Throughout my subsequent career as a secondary school teacher, I worked with many principals, and none earned my respect as much as did Mr. T. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Linda (Muckle) White (former student at Glenlawn C.I.) on: Apr 24, 2012

  • Everyone will remember Mr. Thistlethwaite - he put up with teenagers gracefully throughout my time at Glenlawn and has often been fondly remembered. - Posted by: Chris-Ada MacTavish (Student at Glenlawn Collegiate) on: Apr 24, 2012

  • I attended Glenlawn from 1960 to 1963 and lived on Kingston Crescent. We knew exactly what time to leave the house in the morning so we could hitch hike Mr. Thistlethwaite and get a ride in his beautiful white Jag 3.8 sedan. And he always picked us up!! great guy!! - Posted by: Tony Dadson (student) on: Apr 24, 2012

  • He was a great man and a loving grandfather. Always there with knowledge and support when I needed it most. Active throughout my life, always involved with the family my life and the world will be worse off without him. May he rest in peace there will never be another like him. - Posted by: David Thistlethwaite (Grandson) on: Apr 23, 2012

  • I attended Glenlawn Collegiate some 50+ years ago and certainly remember Mr. Thistlethwaite as our principal and of course the impressive Jaguar that he drove - that was until he married Kathleen and then had to drive the station wagon to fit all the kids in. I also recall that he looked after his elderly mother for many years. An honourable gentleman who contributed greatly to his school, his community and his country. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Fred Smith (former student) on: Apr 23, 2012

  • John and Kit were very kind to our family after a fire in our home. they shared many items with us that made our days brighter and I feel gifted to have known them. I know God will have a special place for them in his kingdom. I also share a connection with John's love of cars as my uncle Frank is someone who was involed with care of the vehicles and my uncle always shared great stories about John and his cars. My thoughts are with John's family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Cathy Keenan (friend ) on: Apr 21, 2012

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