Dwight Thornton

DWIGHT THORNTON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dwight Elmer Thornton, 84, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 17, 2009, at his home. He was born October 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to George William Thornton and Iva Jane Harding. He was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Navy, doing service in the Pacific Theatre and the Korean War. Dwight graduated from Northrop Institute of Technology in March 1964. He worked for the Space Division of Rockwell International from 1954 to 1968; worked for the B-1 Division of Rockwell International for 1968 to 1973; from July 1973 to 1978, Dwight worked at the Space Division of Rockwell International at Downey, California in Wind Tunnel testing; Dwight worked at the Power Burst Facility, Idaho National Laboratory, from 1978 to 1981 for EG&G, Idaho; He worked for Martin Marietta Aerospace, Vandenberg Operations from 1981 to 1987. He enjoyed fly fishing from his youth and became a life member of both Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF). He held offices in the FFF on the national, regional and local levels. On the national level, he was on the Board of Directors and was treasurer for one year. On the regional level he was on the board of directors and treasurer for the Western Rocky Mountain Council (WRMC), FFF, and on the local level he served on the Snake River Cutthroats board, worked extensively on the East Idaho Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Expo and was treasurer for the Snake River Cutthroats. Dwight was an accomplished fly tyer, having been invited to demonstrate his skill at the vise at Federation of Fly Fishers International Conclaves, several regional shows, and always to the East Idaho Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Expo. He was an FFF certified fly casting instructor and taught both fly casting and fly tying for many years. His favorite activity in both was teaching youth. He expressed and demonstrated particular joy in teaching the younger generation. Dwight received several awards for his contributions to fly fishing. Among them were the FFF's Award of Excellence, and his latest, the 2008 WRMC Fly Tyer of the year. Dwight was an honest and generous person with a unique nature. He not only contributed his time, but also fly fishing and fly tying equipment to many activities. Before his health began failing, he loved to take part in conservation outings, in fly tying and fly casting activities and in social fuctions presented by the Snake River Cutthroats. Survivors include: Sister: Marie Landis, Salt Lake City, UT Sister: Peggy Clavin, Hemet, CA Sister: Billie Cluff, Spanish Fork, UT and numerous Nieces & Nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Roy; and a sister, Loraine. No local services are planned. Burial will take place at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Dwight Thornton tkfreek@mac.com I just found the notice of my Father's death. We hadn't been close. I hadn't seen him since I was 18.