Dedicated to the memory of Jonathan Marc Thorpe
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jonathan Marc Thorpe (Jonny) on 16th May 2020 at Willen Hospice, Milton Keynes. He was much loved by his wife Lizzie, parents Sally and Barry, sister Hannah and brother Tom.
From the moment Jonny was born on 29th October 1984, he brought so much joy to us all. He was an extremely happy child with a sunny disposition and a mischievous sense of humour, which never left him. His life was not at all easy from the age of 11 when a chronic illness plagued him resulting in countless hospital stays and in excess of 20 operations, most of them major. Throughout it all he remained stoic and did his very best to continue with as normal a life as possible and many who knew him had no idea of some of the daunting hurdles he had to face.
He loved school and despite lengthy periods of absence, he excelled in his academic results. During this time he developed into an excellent euphonium player, witnessed by his attainment of Grade 8, plus becoming by examination an Associate of the Trinity College London (ATCL) for Euphonium Performance. He especially loved his time in Commonweal School Band and was talking fondly of time spent with them just a week before he died, sharing memories with his sister.
Apart from a brief period as a cruise travel agency franchisee, Jonny spent his whole working life at Barclays and during those 12 years he developed into different roles and made a huge number of friends along the way. It is right to acknowledge that Barclays has been a fantastic employer for Jonny, full of integrity and fairness in their dealings with him, but it worked both ways: many colleagues have spoken of his positive contribution and effectiveness.
The greatest joy in Jonny’s life has been his lovely wife, Lizzie. They married on a beautiful day in June 2014 and no one present will forget Jonny’s fabulous speech, complete with an hilarious poem. Their relationship has grown ever deeper and in Jonny’s birthday card to Lizzie the day before he entered Willen Hospice he wrote these words; “Being with you has prolonged my life, as without you I wouldn’t have one. You are my best friend, my wife, my angel and my soulmate.”
When Jonny was told of his terminal cancer diagnosis and life expectancy in November 2019, he astounded the doctors with his mature acceptance of and how he dealt with the situation. He wanted to know everything and the cancer team at Addenbrookes described him as “a remarkable young man.” From the moment he knew of his prognosis, Jonny’s priority was to ensure that Lizzie would be financially secure and he tenaciously investigated how he might influence and structure things for the better.
Right to the very end, Jonny retained a great thirst for knowledge and spent hours looking into a wide variety of subjects and would then relay the most interesting information to us all. It is fair to say that he had a view on most things, but also avidly read the reviews and thoughts of experts, shaping his own understanding as he went.
Jonny loved life. He loved to travel, he loved sport, especially Liverpool FC, he loved his wife, his family and friends and he loved to make people happy. He went out of his way to be kind to others when they needed kindness and his generosity was extraordinary, examples of which we have heard so much about since his passing.
Jonny, we loved you every day and now we will miss you every day.
Recent Donations
Anonymous
It’s been a year since Jonny went home to be with the Lord. I’ve remembered him every day and I’ve thought about Lizzie, Barry, Sally, Hannah, Tom and the family every day. My constant prayer is that, as they continue to navigate life’s journey, the Lord will walk the road with them, carrying them when necessary. Jonny will never be forgotten. With much love and prayers always xx❤️🙏🏻🌈
Esmé Robinson and Lizzie
I bought the remaining wedding photos (there’s some corkers!). Our photographer kindly gifted them to me so I thought I’d donate the money instead.
£150.00 (+ £37.50 Gift Aid)
Julie, Joel and Kira
A Christmas gift given with fond memories of a certain euphonium player on Christmas Eve youth carolling
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