Lonnie Thorson

1957 - 2026

We are very saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Lonnie Harold Thorson on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the age of 68 years.

He was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend and we are all going to miss him. Lonnie is survived by his wife Sharon; children Tiffany Thorson of Black Diamond, Ty (Charmayne) Thorson of Hays, and Bailey Thorson (Joel Gray) of Lethbridge; grandchildren Caelia (Seth Brooks), Emma and Laycie Thorson; mother Clarabelle Thorson; sisters Roxie Binkley, Pam Thorson, Candy (Art) Henschke, and Penny (Grant) Sheldon; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father George Thorson; brothers-in-law Vern Binkley and Michael David; and father-in-law Stanley (MaryAnne) David.

Lonnie was born December 16, 1957 in Eastend Saskatchewan, to George and Clarabelle Thorson, brother to Roxie, Pam, Candy and Penny. The second of five kids, Lonnie grew up with a strong love for his family and of the outdoors. His early years were spent having fun with his best friend Dave Hanson. He enjoyed riding his horse whenever he got the opportunity, whether that was through the hills surrounding town, on neighboring ranches and occasionally into the local pool hall. His childhood dream of being a cowboy started him on a lifetime of adventures which helped to shape him into the man we all loved.

Lonnie married the love of his life, Sharon David in 1989 and after an adventure to the Circle S Ranch in British Columbia for a season, they eventually moved to Hays. There, they chose to put down roots and start their family together. Here they have raised their children and ranched together ever since. Lonnie worked for the Hays Stock Grazing Coop community pasture as a rider, manager and bull buyer for thirty five years, while he gradually built their own ranch.

Lonnie’s passion for hunting and roping were gifts that he openly shared with his friends and family whom he loved very much. Over the years he loved to share stories of all the great people who he surrounded himself with and got to share his journey with.

As Lonnie got older he made a conscious effort to enjoy the fruits of his labour which he worked so hard for, and for that we are all very grateful. He enjoyed filling his days with looking at his cows, spending time with his dog Bud, watching his children grow up and spending evenings in the back yard around a fire with his wife.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Hays Civic Centre, 100 - 3 Street, Hays on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.