James Paul Thorburn
October 15, 1946 to December 1, 2022
Obituary
For those unable to attend the service for Paul Thorburn on Tuesday December 6th at 11:00 a.m. from the Carnell Chapel may view via livestreaming by clicking on the following link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3MDAyMTk1ODIyMjQ2OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of James Paul Thorburn, 76, on Dec 1st 2022, with his family by his side. Predeceased by parents Paul & Rose (neé Bulger) He leaves in mourning his wife and best friend of 43 years Barbara (neé Sharpe), daughter Keelin (David O’Neill), son James (Heather Comerford), & his adored grandchildren Lyla, Leif, & Ingrid O’Neill, Henry & Owen Thorburn. Brother to Joan (John Fisher, dec.), Robert, dec. (Maureen Dunne), Brian (Mary Wilson). Uncle to Lisa, Adam, Steven, David, Elizabeth, Casey, Jack, Kye, Spencer. Paul was a graduate of Dalhousie University (BSc, 1968), & Technical University of Nova Scotia (BEng., 1970; MEng, 1979). He retired in 2013 after fulfilling careers at the Bedford Institute for Oceanography, and the National Research Council of Canada. A past Chair of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (Newfoundland & Labrador Section), he was also a past Vice-President of the Newfoundland Historic Trust, and of the Probus Club of St. John’s. Paul was a longtime volunteer driver for Red Cross/Meals on Wheels, an East Coast Trail Association volunteer guide, and a lifelong YMCA member. Always a kind, non-judgemental man, he enjoyed travelling and cooking with family & friends. His presence at the dinner table was always noteworthy. Paul enjoyed spending time in nature, photography, mentoring & helping others, but his greatest attribute was his devotion to family and friends. His grandchildren were cherished immeasurably. Visitation at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, Sunday Dec 4th, 7pm-9pm, & Monday Dec 5th, 2pm-4pm & 7pm-9pm. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday Dec 6th at 11am with reception to follow. For those who are unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed. To find the link or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.carnells.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gathering Place, or the East Coast Trail Association.
Schedule
Visitations
7-9 p.m. on December 4, 2022
2-4 p.m. on December 5, 2022
7-9 p.m. on December 5, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Tuesday December 6th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
Interment to follow reception at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
Barbara and family,
I’m so sorry about your husband and father’s death. I knew Paul through a number of avenues and always found him to be calm and kind, a real gentleman who loved his family dearly. My condolences to you all, it’s a big loss. In sincere sympathy, Gerry Marshall
Keelin, my condolences on your Dads passing. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man. You were blessed to have such a wonderful father. Cherish your memories. So sorry for your loss. May he Rest in Peace
Paul was an instructor of mine at the College of Fisheries and I fondly remember him so. He had the patience of a saint and truly was a warm and compassionate person. It was truly a privilege to have his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sad news hearing about Paul’s passing.. I got to know Paul through his brother Bob, a good friend over the years who passed away too early. Paul was a pleasure to talk to, kind and considerate of others. My condolences to his wife and family.
Barb, Keelin and James
Sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Tom and Denise Burke
Dear Barb, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Paul.. We were very sad to hear this. What a lovely person he was, so warm and considerate and so easy to be around. You are in our thoughts lots and we hope you draw strength from all the wonderful years you were so lucky to have..
Brian, Judy and Tom Kuwahara
The IEEE NL Section is deeply saddened to hear the news of Paul’s passing. He was a longstanding and dedicated volunteer within the Section. He took on his various roles with enthusiasm and he was always a pleasant presence at committee meetings and Section events. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Paul’s family and close acquaintances during this difficult time. Take comfort in the wonderful memories, and may they be a blessing.
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family
Dear Barbara and family., we were saddened to hear
of Paul’s passing. It is hard to believe that Paul is no
longer with us. With your strong family we know you
will support each other.
Marcel and Mary Mondou.
Barb. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Paul was a wonderful man and considerate neighbour. The service was filled with an abundance of love, as evidenced by the vast array of people in attendance. And I was thankful to learn so much more about him. A lovely and thoughtfully curated dedication. Let me know if there is anything you need.
I’m so sorry to learn of Paul’s passing. I worked with him many times over the years through IEEE activities where I always enjoyed his company and valued his insight.
He made a strong contribution during his career and will be deeply missed.
I believe that I first met Paul in about 1985, when our daughters Sarah and Keelin started kindergarten at Ecole St Patrick.. Over the many years since, we always had a quick chat and catch up whenever we met. It was always nice. We were very sad to hear of his passing and we would like to express our deepest condolences to Barb and the Thorburn family.
Barb,
I’m so sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Marie Walsh
Our condolences to the family.
Phil Bulger, Odette Boyer and Matthew Bulger
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking back to a joyous time on the soccer field, I remember Paul fondly.
Geoff Smith
Barb and family, Bertha and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know that we are thinking of you all at this time.
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I know you will take comfort from the wonderful life you had together. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Tish
To Paul’s family – Brian and I are very sorry to read of Paul’s passing. We worked a fair bit with Paul on IEEE volunteerism, and he was always willing to lend a hand and expertise, whenever required and without complaint. He was proud of his work but so much more proud of the accomplishments of his children and family; I hope your memories comfort you in this time of grief.
Keelin and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Sending lots of love your way
Barbara. and Family, we were saddened to hear of Pauls passing. He was an active very reliable member of Probus serving as our President.. He was our unofficial photographer,. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during those difficult times.
Dear Barb and family
I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s death. Diane and I offer our sincere condolences and please know that you are in our prayers. May your wonderful memories help you in this time of grief.
Brian
Dear Barb and Family: I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Paul. By reading his obituary and condolences, it was quite evident that Paul was a gracious and honourable man., who will be missed by many. You all have lots to be proud about as you gather and reminisce with family, friends, and former colleagues, at this very sad time. My heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Take good care of each other.
Denise
To the Thorburn family . So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing . As a fellow Y member it was always a pleasure to talk to Paul . He always greeted you with a warm smile and always a quick question !! He was genuinely interested what you were up to . My sincere condolences .
Barb, so very sorry to read of Paul’s passing. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts at this sad and difficult time .
Sincerely,
Barry & Glenda Wilkins
Barb, James and Keelin, So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. My sincere condolences to you all. Cherish the memories.
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Deepest sympathy to the family. Probus has lost an honourable member. Cherish the memories,to help you through the difficult days ahead .
Barb, I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Barb, so sorry to hear the sad news. My sincere sympathies.
Barb, Keelin & James … we are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing… Many fond memories of you all from back in our Princess Anne Days .. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Barb and Family and Friends of Paul,
I am so sorry to learn of Paul’s passing. I know how precious a husband, father and grandfather he has been and my heart aches for you. Hold your memories close and feel his love around you.
God bless.
Vicki
Barb and family ….. we were deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We have fond memories of him from your visits to Ottawa and send our sincere condolences to you all.
Dear Barb, Keelin, James and all who loved Paul. We are shocked and saddened to learn the news of Paul’s passing. Your family played such a special part of our lives during our short stay in Newfoundland 25 years ago and we have cherished your friendship since then. And we are forever grateful for the caring you demonstrated for our son when he came back to go to MUN. So grateful we had a visit few months ago. Paul was a lovely gentle man. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Barb and Family,
0Wayne and I were saddened to learn of Paul’s passing… We have great memories of us all sitting in the bleachers watching our sons in sporting activities especially soccer. He was a good man!
Our deepest condolences.
Marion Counsel and Wayne Dawe
Barb and Family I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing on Thursday. My sincere condolence.
Patricia Pike
Barb and family so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing; sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We extend our most sincere condolences to Barbara and the Thorburn family. Paul and Barbara have been wonderful friends for decades. They have always been kind, generous. and gracious. Paul’s passing will leave a void in the hearts of their family and friends.
Barb and family;
We were shocked to hear of Paul’s passing, you and your family have our deepest condolences at this time.
Some of our most cherished memories are from the time we spent as next door neighbours on Chimo Place. We are thinking of you.
To all of Paul’s family and friends, we share in your loss and sorrow. We have known Paul since our university days in Halifax. He has been our life-long friend and was the best man at our wedding. We found him humble about his many academic and career achievements and inquisitive about the world which created his zest for travel. We have visited the Thorburn home for many years and we have felt like part of the family. Paul and Barb were always the gracious hosts and met our every need. They welcomed our niece Emily into their home when she attended MUN, for which the Henneberry family is forever grateful. They are everything friends could be and have made a difference in our lives. May Paul rest peacefully knowing that we admire him, we will miss his friendship and humour, and we thank him for an abundance of memories.
Barb and family, we are shocked and saddened by Paul’s passing. Our sincere condolences. He was a wonderful man and we are so glad to have spent time with you both. He will be sorely missed, but may you find comfort in your fond memories and the love of family.
With heart felt sympathy,
Karen and Ken
Barbara and family, so sad to hear of Paul.’s passing so unexpectied. Please accept our condolences and sincere sympathy . Eric/Judy Button
James (and family),
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I wish you comfort at this difficult time.
Stephanie Jackman
Dear Joan and family, My condolences on the loss of your brother. His obituary shows what a wonderful man he was and how much he made a positive difference in our world. May his memory be forever a blessing.
Barb and family
My deepest condolences to you and your family. So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rosemary Fahey
Barb and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was such a gentle and kind man who obviously cared very deeply for his family, community and the planet. He will surely be missed.
My sincere condolences.
Marilyn Kennedy
Barb and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gloria Gillingham Earle.
Barb and family;
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My memories of Paul from our MUN days with Barb were of a kind, gentle, supportive man who dearly loved his wife and had a deep commitment to family.
May memories of good times together help you and your family with this difficult loss Barb. Take care
Judy Costello
Toronto
To Joan and all the family all our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Paul.. Robert and I are thinking of you at this time of grieving.
Dear Barb, Keelin and. James,
My sincerest condolences on the death of your beloved husband ,father and grandfather .Words are inadequate..
May God bless and comfort you as you grieve his loss.
With loving sympathy and prayers,
Claire(Carbie) MacKay xo
Barb and family,
Deepest condolences on the passing of your husband, Paul. We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Barb and family
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing . My thoughts are with you
James and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Paul’s death. Thinking of you all and sending my love.
My deepest condolences Barbara and family on the loss of your husband, father and adoring grandfather. May perpetual light shine upon him.
On my last visit to NL some 20 years ago, Craig & I called up my cousin, Paul & asked him to meet us for lunch. We spent 2+ wonderful hours getting to know him & we so enjoyied hearing about his intriguing life & seeing that kind soul. What an honour to say we are related. Our condolences to the entire family , friends & people he touched..
Paula Thorburn & Craig Weddell in Kelowna, BC
Barb and family. Paul was a wonderful neighbor, and we will miss him a lot. My heartfelt condolences to you and family. We are all left with wonderful memories of him.
Love and hugs,
Sonia
Barb, Keelin & James
Heartfelt condolences for the loss of Paul.
May all the years of wonderful memories provide comfort. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Barb and family … our sincere condolences on Paul’s passing. We remember him fondly from Corner Brook..
Barb, I’m so sorry to read of Paul’s passing. I have lots of memories of Paul during my years at NRC. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to you Barb, Keelin, James and Heather and Paul’s extended families. I am so sorry for your loss.. my thoughts and prayers are with you
Oh Barb, I am very sad to hear of Paul’s death. I remember him as such a mild mannered, kind person. My condolences to you, Keelin, James, and families.
Barb and Family,Sending you our deepest sympathy.Love, prayers and hugs to all. Love,Earl and Sandra Taylor
Barb, James, Keelin and family, I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Robert often recalled his friendship with Paul growing up in Corner Brook and reconnecting again after our move to St John’s. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
So sad to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a real gentleman. Condolences to Barbara and all his family.
So very sorry to hear this, he was such a kind and gentle man! My condolences to all his family!
Shocked and saddened to hear this. My sincere condolences to his family. Probus has lost a great member. and President..
Barbara and family, I was so sorry to hear your sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Condolences to the Thorburn family on the loss of my cousin.very sad news and as I am living away I will join service online.special prayers for the family especially Joanie so sorry
Barbara, Keelin, James & Family, so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Our thoughts are with you in your loss, Dave & Mona Lee
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Paul and sad that we are not close by to grieve with you . All our love , thoughts and prayers will be with you .
My condolences to the family. Paul was an old friend and a wonderful, decent human being. Nowhere near enough good people like Paul in this world.
What a lovely man…so kind and soft spoken…a true gentleman and a scholar. That is how we truly perceived you , Paul.
Luv from Barbara’s cousins , and therefore your cousins…deb and bill..
Barb
I am shocked and very sorry to hear about Paul. I hope your beautiful memories will help comfort you in this very sad time
We send our sincerest condolences to Keelin and her family at this time.
A donation of $100 has been made in his name for the East Coast Trail Foundation.
With love,
Francine and Sergio Jimenez
Keelin and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Take care.
James, Keelin and family. I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of your lovely Dad. It’s been many years, but I remember him being so sweet and kind. Sending love during this difficult time as you honour his incredible life.
A true gentle man. I knew him through PROBUS and her was generous with his time and knowledge. We will miss him. My condolences.
Barb, Joan, Brian and families,
I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Though I hadn’t seen Paul in many years, I remember him as a happy, kind and thoughtful man who loved his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow.
Heather (Fisher) Beer