Grenville "Blair" Hanthorn

Grenville Blair Hanthorn passed away in the Ross Memorial Hospital, November 30th, 2023. Blair was only 23 days away from his 100th birthday.

Since the passing of Vivian Mae Hanthorn, on New Year’s Day, 2020, Blair has resided at the Lakeland - Village in Lindsay. Blair was happy there with his room, the meals, fellow residents, and especially the caregivers who noted that Blair was one of the most enjoyable residents they'd had. He loved to sing and play his piano that he donated there, for all to enjoy.

Blair’s health was incredibly good his entire life, having never been on medications until 2018, following a heart attack.

A few months ago, Blair took a fall in his room, fracturing some ribs, and it seemed to be the start of health issues. On November 20th, Blair had a seizure and was brought by ambulance to the RMH in Lindsay, and passed away there 10 days later.

Blair had some incredible experiences in his life, and often spoke of WW2, his teaching career and his love for music.

After WW2, Blair went to Peterborough Teachers College and after getting his diploma, began teaching in Gooderham at the one-room school-house with 7-grades in 7-rows. His teaching career of 36-years, included other schools; in Gelert and in Lindsay such as Alexandra, Central Sr., and Little Britain, but we know his favourite one was Gooderham. He loved the students, the school and it was in Gooderham he met and married Vivian Mae Mintz, at the Gooderham Pentecostal Mission, August 23rd, 1952.

We also know that his two- and one-half years in the European Theatre of WW2 was a critical time of his life. Blair was in the RCAF, as a WAG (Wireless Operator and Tail-Gunner), and within a year was promoted to Flying-Officer.

One day returning from a mission, the Halifax they were flying, lost all 4-engines. While quickly descending to the sea, and after sending his first S.O.S., Dad got on his knees and sent another one; asking God to save their soul’s. A lot happened in those moments for Blair and for his crew. He wasn’t finished his prayer when one engine started, and then two more, and they were able to land safe and sound on 3-engines.

During the last few years of Blair’s life, he began to lose all memory of his teaching career, and any years following that, but he never forgot his time in the RCAF.

We miss our Dad and our Mom. But we are thankful for the many years with them, and these last 3-years with our Dad, when we could learn more about their lives and loves.

 Our family invites you to join us as we host a Celebration of Life reception, at Lakeland Funeral & Cremation Centre, 19 Moose Road, Lindsay on Friday December 22nd from 1- 3 pm. the date seemed appropriate as that would have been his 100th birthday.

if desired, donations in memory of Dad can be made to the Veterans Transition Network.

- Chris Hanthorn & Lou Weber