PEABODY, Mass. – Bertram E. Thorne, 87, formerly of Hartland, died June 11, 2011, in Peabody, Mass. He was born July 21, 1923, on the family farm in St. Albans, son of the late Ellis M. and Emma (Young) Thorne.
Bertram attended the one-room Merrill school in St. Albans, and was valedictorian of Hartland Academy, Class of 1941. He interrupted his studies at the University of Maine to enlist in the Army and served as a sergeant in the 3rd Army, 79th Infantry Division during the last four months of the war in the European Theater. He graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration in 1948. He was a salesman for Agrico Fertilizer Co., serving farms in New England for 35 years, and became the northeast regional manager. After retiring he spent winters skiing at Sugarloaf, summers at camp on Great Moose Lake, Hartland, took several trips to Europe and when at home in Hingham, Mass., he drove for Meals on Wheels. He greatly enjoyed driving, listening to music, eating out, hosting get-togethers, visiting friends and relatives, and Red Sox wins. He moved to Brooksby Village in 2001, giving up skiing and Meals on Wheels, but continuing his other activities. His last years were spent at Rose Court, Renaissance Gardens, where he participated to the best of his abilities in their social activities. He appreciated the kindness, care and consideration he received from the staff. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and past member of the Mayflower Society.
Bertram is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Helen Thorne; nephews, Roderick Thorne, Thomas Sawyer, Everett Simpson and James Thorne; nieces, Catherine Barth, Marjorie Gillespie, Susan Thorne, Col. Rosemary Thorne and Dr. Marie Zajdowicz; four great-nephews, two great-nieces, one great-great-nephew and two great-great-nieces. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Thelma Simpson, Marion Furbush, Eleanor Sawyer and Cherrie Kaifer; brothers, Raymond Thorne and Allen Thorne; and a niece, Sylvia (Furbush) Curry.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, at Village Cemetery, Cemetery Road, St. Albans, with the Rev. Jim Boughman officiating. Full military honors will be presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Care for the family has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield. To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit
www.shoreynichols.com.