With the love of his family and the quiet of the snow, Rick Thorburn passed away at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital at the age of 84. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Patterson; his two children, Andrea (Michael Kinghorn) and Jay (Amy Stewart); and his three granddaughters, Elise, Millie, and Alvy. He was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Etta Thorburn, and his brothers Herb, Bill and his sister Sylvia Leitner.

Rick was born and lived most of his life in Vernon. Although growing up in the Okanagan, Rick travelled, circumnavigating the world after receiving his degree in Architecture from UBC in Vancouver.

In his early years, he worked surveying on Vancouver Island, putting himself through school. Afterwards, he taught architecture at NAIT in Alberta. He then returned to his hometown, where he worked as an Architect. He and Linda met during this time through their connections in construction.

His contributions to the community include his architecture, advocacy for the arts, sitting on numerous boards, and, most of all, his passion for aviation. He will be remembered as an aeronautical enthusiast.

Rick was always motivated by a project. He thoroughly enjoyed building aircraft just as much as flying them while sharing his building experience & knowledge with others. He rebuilt three taildragger aircraft, six new aluminum aircraft, and over 50 model airplanes. His focus turned to the design and experimentation of electric propulsion systems for his plane in his final years. Rick was a character, a marvel; he marched to the beat of his own drum, making him unique in his own way, and for this, he was loved. He will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the Vernon Airport.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation in Rick’s name.

 

 

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com