Roland Howard Thornburg passed peacefully after a short illness on April 14th in Collier Hospice, Wheat Ridge, CO. Roland, also known as Thorny, was born in Johnstown, Colorado on July 11th to Maude and Clem Thornburg. Roland leaves behind a daughter, Janet, two Grandchildren, Douglas and Benjamin, four Great-Grandchildren, Skylar, Adam, Alexi, and I'Lia, two brothers, George and Tom, and many nieces and nephews. Roland was a graduate of Loveland High School and after serving in World War II in the Army Air Corps he returned to Colorado to get his Bachelor's and Master's at UNC under the GI BILL. In 1948 Roland married Betty Jean Hamilton on September 19th. Roland and Betty would have two children Janet Ruth Thornburg-Cornell of Arvada, CO, and Jeffery Neil Thornburg deceased. Roland taught at Loveland High in the 50s and eventually took a sales job with Allyn Bacon Corp that took his family to Lawrence, Kansas in 1960 where he and Betty would live for the next 47 years. During those 47 years Roland's favorite pass time was golf. He spent many days playing the Alvamar Golf Course and eventually invested a small amount of money into this golf course. He and Betty would also spend a lot of their vacation time traveling to various parts of the United States and World to try out different golf courses. In 2007 Roland and Betty moved back to Colorado and settled in a new home in the Broomfield area. Roland is preceded in death by Betty who passed away September 3, 2013. There will be a celebration of Roland's life held on June 10 from 4pm to 7pm at 7167 W. 83rd Way in Arvada, CO. Anyone who would like to celebrate Roland's life is invited.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jun. 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Roland Thornburg

4 Entries

June 10, 2017

Roland was a good friend of my uncle in Loveland High School. I met him at the age of three through my uncle. Thorny was my baaseball coach my senior year at LHS. aLTHOUGH i HAVE NOT SEEN HIM FOR YEARS, HE PROVIDED ME WITH MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES. tHORNY WAS A FRIEND AND ROLE MODEL. I THINK OF HIM OFTEN

RAY MEHAFFEY

Jeff Allison

June 9, 2017

Dear Janet and Family, I was saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. Jeff and I were buddies growing up and I got to know your parents through him. They were generous enough to give me his banjo, knowing we had enjoyed playing music together. Please accept my respectful condolences.

George Catt

June 7, 2017

Dear Janet & family: Betty and Thorny were more than just valued clients. They were good friends. I share your loss and send sincere condolences.

MARCEL T

June 7, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your dear love one. Please find comfort in MATTHEW 5:4 which says
"Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted ".

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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Memorial Events
for Roland Thornburg

Jun

10

Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

7167 W. 83rd Way, Arvada, CO

Funeral services provided by:

Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home & Crematory

1102 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537

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