Richard Roy Thorne, Sr., 86, of Brownsville, Oregon passed away Thursday, June 9. He was born in Pendleton to Francis J. and Blanche A. (Emory) Thorne. In 1968, Richard moved from Pendleton to Sweet Home. In 1977, he moved to Brownsville.

Richard served in the United States Air Force from 1946 to 1948. He worked for American Can Company where he helped build and millwright. He retired in 1994, and then joined the Peace Corps for ten years, 1996 to 2006, in St. Vincent/Grenadines Islands.

He was a member of The Shriners. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, waterskiing, woodworking, making knives, and growing house plants. He loved his dogs and all animals.

Richard is survived by sons Michael Thorne, Sr., and Richard Roy Thorne, Jr. of Brownsville; siblings Alverda White of Pendleton, John Thorne of Pilot Rock, and Jim Thorne of Walla Walla, Washington; grandchildren Dustie Bachmeier (Reid) of Lebanon, Michael Thorne, Jr., of Lincoln City, Calvin Thorne of Gresham, and Travis Thorne of Brownsville; and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mavis J. Thorne; father Francis J. Thorne; mother Blanche Thorne; and grandson Tyler Thorne.

A viewing will be from 4:00–6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 17, at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton. A local memorial service will be announced in the near future.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.