Nathan Ross Thornburgh
October 3, 1929 – October 29, 2012
Nathan Ross Thornburgh, 83, passed away on October 29, 2012. Born on October 3, 1929 in Covina, California, Ross spent his early life in California growing up surrounded by a large extended family.
Ross was preceded in death by his father, Claude Thornburgh, and his mother, Sarah Wright.
In 1947, Ross enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. When he was stationed on the East Coast in 1951, as fate would have it, he agreed to a blind date with a red-headed New Englander, Carol, a student nurse at the time. For both, it was love at first sight. In 1954, Ross and Carol married in her hometown of Scituate, Massachusetts.
Prior to becoming parents, Ross and Carol earned their private pilot’s licenses and enjoyed recreational flying for many years. They hiked in the Sierra’s and loved boating and skiing. Ross’ late friend, Charlie Roberts, was a source of inspiration and strength for Ross. He often would reminisce of their philosophical conversations during their days of weight lifting and hiking. Charlie had spent some time in his childhood on Bainbridge Island and, due to Charlie’s suggestion in the early 1970’s, Ross visited the Island when considering a move to the Northwest from Manhattan Beach, California. In 1975, Ross and his family settled on Bainbridge Island.
Ross worked for a number of insurance companies throughout his career- Union Mutual Life, Marsh & McLennan, Metropolitan Life, Alexander & Alexander taking him from New York to Los Angeles. On April 1, 1980, Ross and Carol founded Thornburgh Insurance Agency. Ross was well liked for his professional, diplomatic and distinguished manner. Ross earned the prestigious Safeco Award of Excellence (Lifetime Achievement). This was especially meaningful to him as it reflected his strong underwriting ability. Ross was proud to have his daughter join the agency before he retired.
Ross devoted many hours to community groups and boards that have helped shape Bainbridge Island: Winslow Tomorrow, Leadership Kitsap, President of the Kiwanis, Treasurer of Bainbridge Performing Arts during its capital campaign, a Boy Scout Leader and for over twenty years he spoke to each driver’s education class at the high school about the importance of safe driving.
Ross became an iconic figure in our community as he made his daily walks to the post office an important way to connect with friends and business associates. He was quick to share the many stories he had and many found him a resource for local history. He was an avid reader and loved using interesting books as a topic of discussion. Beyond Ross’ devotion to work, family and community, he loved attending musical performances at Benaroya Hall and the Olympic Music Festival.
Ross has many friends who were with him in thoughts and prayers over the last year. All the visits and cards provided him comfort and strength in his last months. He lived a fulfilling and courageous life to the end and passed away knowing he was loved by family, friends, caregivers and his community.
Ross is survived by his wife of fifty eight years, Carol S. Thornburgh; his son, Jonathan Ross Thornburgh; his daughter, Rachelle E. Thornburgh; and daughter-in-law, Piper Thornburgh, and two grandsons, Stirling Ross Thornburgh and Charles A. Thornburgh, all of Bainbridge Island. He is also survived by his brother, Wesley (Maurita) Thornburgh; nephews Eric Thornburgh and Peter (Ginger) Thornburgh; and cousins Pat Wester, Alice (Cal) Elshoff and Fritz Thornburgh.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Ross’ Life. It will be on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at the Manor House on Bainbridge Island. We welcome all to stop by anytime between 2:00-5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Helpline House, the Hospice of Kitsap County or another charity of your choice.
Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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