Michael G. Thorner ’60

Lieutenant Commander Michael Gordon Thorner, USN, Ret., 79, died February 4, 2019 in a local hospital. He was a native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and a resident of Norfolk since 1975. He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Smith Thorner.

Lieutenant Commander Thorner graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1960 and served his country in the United States Navy for 20 years. He was a Vietnam War Veteran who served two tours. He later opened a maritime consulting firm, Thorner-Lawrence Associates, Inc., and worked for numerous shipyards as an independent Marine Engineer. He was also a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Michael loved his country and the United States Navy. He was always full of life and enjoyed talking with friends.

Michael also kept a special place in his heart for his family. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Patricia Gregory Thorner, his mother, Priscilla Quint Thorner of Knoxville, Tennessee, his daughter, Ashley Page Oelrich and her husband William Lyle Oelrich, Jr. (Lyle) of Knoxville, Tennessee and his grandchildren, William Lyle Oelrich III (Liam) and Lawson Page Oelrich.The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Greg Clifford of the Dedicated Care Center, as well as his staff, for the constant care provided to Michael for many years.A private family service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel is handling arrangements.