Danny Thornton

August 04, 1948 – August 16, 2024

Danny Thornton, 76 of Gresham, Oregon, passed away from cancer on August 16, 2024, peacefully in his sleep with his daughter Christy and her partner Ray by his side.

Danny was born in Pontiac Michigan and lived most of his childhood in Anaheim, California. He was a true beach boy and lover of the great outdoors at heart. Danny moved back to Michigan before ultimately settling and living out the rest of his life in Oregon.

While Danny enlisted in the Navy and worked on the railroad, he found his true calling in his adventurous career of a long-haul truck driver for over 34 years. Danny received many driving awards, loved the thrill of all driving conditions, hauling triples, and the peace and beauty of the open road.

An incredible self-taught wood working craftsman, lover of boating, camping, road trips and long-distance bike rides (Gresham to Hood River and back and Gresham to Timberline and back). Most of all, he loved his family and his people. He was a father figure to many and a brother to anyone in need of a helping hand! The most loving and cherished grandpa and one hell of a father and role model for all to look up to. Anything he set his mind to he was determined to find a way to make it happen. He donated to a wide variety of charities and causes, and always saw the best in people.

After Danny’s brain surgery in 2020 to remove a metastatic tumor, he never lost his wild sense of humor. His life was turned upside down but throughout his treatment and the dramatic life changes he endured, he would always leave a trail of laughter after every time we were together, everywhere we went, and with every caretaker that was a part of his journey. Danny was always thankful, kind-hearted, had a way of making everyone feel at ease and like they were a part of the family. Danny was a provider and always wanted the best for those he loved, he would do anything for his family. He always “got it”. After his surgery, it was my turn to provide and be an advocate for him. It became a bit of a laughing joke that anytime he was asked a question he would turn and say, “she’s got it,” from handing over his ID to buying him something he needed, or as simple as putting on his seatbelt, or picking up something he dropped. It was my absolute honor to get it all for him, and I was able to tell him during his last days that from here on out, by learning from him, and in his honor, “I got it.”

Danny was deeply loved by his daughter, granddaughter, Ray (daughter’s partner) and so many members of family and friends.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents Dick Thornton and Dorothy Thornton, brother David Thornton and son Troy Thornton. He is survived by his sisters Diane Thomas, Linda Thornton and his daughter Christy Thornton, son Tracy, and granddaughter Josie Lyman.

We held a memorial at Scouters Mountain that used to be a Boy Scouts of America camp (he was a Tenderfoot in the Eagle Patrol of Troop No. 36). A Pastor opened the ceremony, his daughter Christy spoke followed by a timeline slide show and a special tribute where his granddaughter read a poem “God’s Garden” and two dozen butterfly release into the forested surroundings with Mt. Hood as the backdrop. After this Danny was escorted to Willamette National Cemetery where he was celebrated with full military honors. He will forever be in our hearts, and we will continue to celebrate him every moment we get by paying it forward in his name.

In lieu of flowers and to honor his love for the great outdoors, donations in Danny’s memory may be made to Oregon Parks Forever or National Parks Conservation Association.