In memory of
Mark Thornton
June 29, 1969 - April 30, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Mark Richard Thornton, who passed peacefully surrounded by family on April 30, 2025, after a short and private battle against cancer at the age of 55.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Laura Thornton, his son Michael Thornton, daughter Emma Thornton and her partner Anthony Emmanuele. His parents Maureen Thornton and Rick Thornton. His sister Karen Baird, brother-in-law Will Baird, nephew Noah Baird and his partner Emily Castonguay, nephew Liam Baird and his fiancée Kathryn McQuay. His mother and father-in-law, Sheila Traviss and Dereck Traviss. His sister and brother-in-law, Stephanie Jackman and Kevin Jackman, and his nieces, Traviss Jackman and Rylan Jackman.
From the moment they met, Mark and Laura knew that they were destined to be together forever. After their first date in 1993, they were inseparable and began their life of adventure, love, and laughter. They shared many common things, but the biggest love they shared from the start was for Disney. From their first trip together, to the trip they got engaged and the many more that came with their family. Their married life started on September 30, 1995, a celebration that is still talked about to this day. From that day forward, the adventures just continued as they began their family with their beautiful daughter, Emma Thornton, born on February 4, 1997 and their handsome son, Michael Thornton, born on January 22, 2000. Their years together were spent travelling as a family, creating lifelong memories, and supporting each other's dreams and aspirations. As a couple, one of the most magical and bonding experiences was renewing their vows at Waikiki Beach for their 27th anniversary, September 30, 2022.
While raising his family, Mark always reflected on his core memories of his tight-knit family bond with his mom, dad and sister “Stink”. He shared family memories of playing cards around the dining room table, family vacations, band trips, and so much more—all the things he wanted to make sure he gave to his children. Mark’s passion for music influenced Michael in many ways, creating a bond of shared favourite artists, instruments, and the love of performing. Mark’s love of crafting influenced Emma in many ways, inspiring her to always be creating in new ways, whether it is painting, beading, or drawing. He was an amazing father and role model for both of them.
Mark was a gifted artist in the animation industry, where his passion and creativity brought many animated series and films to life. With his friend and business partner, Todd Kauffman, he co-created Grojband, Looped and The 9th Life of Sherman Phelps. Together they formed Neptoon Studios, combining their complementary talents and friendship. His experience in directing brought vision and creativity to Total Drama Island, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Corner Gas Animated, and many more. In 2021, he, alongside Todd Kauffman, received a nomination for Best Direction, Animation for True and the Rainbow Kingdom at the Canadian Screen Awards. His early career was filled with exciting projects that his family continue to enjoy together, like All Dogs Go to Heaven, Osmosis Jones, and Space Jam.
Mark shared his gift of artistry and creativity every day with those around him. It was very rare for someone to leave a get-together without a gift he had handmade for them. In the most recent years, he took up needle felting and spent his time creating different holiday pins for his wife, muppets for his sister’s collection, and ornaments for guests at the family’s annual Christmas in July party. When the kids in his life were young, he would help make their Halloween costumes like a papier mache Buttercup wig, a Back to the Future hoverboard, and a Mrs. Potato Head costume. He learned how to make moving models, creating a posable Audrey II and a wooden recreation of an online video for his son. All of the things he created were done out of love. He saw and heard what people loved, then got to work creating something unique just for them. His creativity extended beyond crafting; it could be seen in his bright Hawaiian shirts, twirled up moustache, and fun hats. It could be seen throughout his home with Laura in framed treasures, thrifted knick-knacks, and tiki mugs ready for a cocktail any time. It could also be heard in bedtime stories, funny songs he would make up for his kids, and while playing Barbies as ‘Uncle Barbieloo’ with his nieces. He will always be remembered for how he generously shared his craft with others and inspired others in their own artistic endeavours.
Mark spread humour and kindness to so many. His nephews will always remember his laughter, antics, and ability to crack a joke at the perfect time, “Ta Da”. Those closest to him will always remember him fondly for his ability to bring laughter to any situation. He often looked to the lighter side of things, bringing attention to the positive through a joke or silly face. And now, as we process this loss, remembering him is still bringing that same joy and laughter he brought us his entire life. Even during his battle, he would bring smiles to all of the nurses' and doctors' faces as he cracked jokes and lightened the air in the room.
Mark’s family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to his personal care team at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa and his home care team for providing him with wonderful care and support throughout his battle.
A celebration of life will be held on August 2, 2025, from 1 pm to 6 pm at Karen and Will Baird’s home in Midland, ON. The family asks that you come dressed in Hawaiian shirts or bright colours to celebrate the brightness Mark brought to so many people’s lives. Please email thethorntonfamily95@gmail.com to RSVP. Please contact the Midland Inn & Suites if you require accommodation information.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mark’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Laura Thornton, his son Michael Thornton, daughter Emma Thornton and her partner Anthony Emmanuele. His parents Maureen Thornton and Rick Thornton. His sister Karen Baird, brother-in-law Will Baird, nephew Noah Baird and his partner Emily Castonguay, nephew Liam Baird and his fiancée Kathryn McQuay. His mother and father-in-law, Sheila Traviss and Dereck Traviss. His sister and brother-in-law, Stephanie Jackman and Kevin Jackman, and his nieces, Traviss Jackman and Rylan Jackman.
From the moment they met, Mark and Laura knew that they were destined to be together forever. After their first date in 1993, they were inseparable and began their life of adventure, love, and laughter. They shared many common things, but the biggest love they shared from the start was for Disney. From their first trip together, to the trip they got engaged and the many more that came with their family. Their married life started on September 30, 1995, a celebration that is still talked about to this day. From that day forward, the adventures just continued as they began their family with their beautiful daughter, Emma Thornton, born on February 4, 1997 and their handsome son, Michael Thornton, born on January 22, 2000. Their years together were spent travelling as a family, creating lifelong memories, and supporting each other's dreams and aspirations. As a couple, one of the most magical and bonding experiences was renewing their vows at Waikiki Beach for their 27th anniversary, September 30, 2022.
While raising his family, Mark always reflected on his core memories of his tight-knit family bond with his mom, dad and sister “Stink”. He shared family memories of playing cards around the dining room table, family vacations, band trips, and so much more—all the things he wanted to make sure he gave to his children. Mark’s passion for music influenced Michael in many ways, creating a bond of shared favourite artists, instruments, and the love of performing. Mark’s love of crafting influenced Emma in many ways, inspiring her to always be creating in new ways, whether it is painting, beading, or drawing. He was an amazing father and role model for both of them.
Mark was a gifted artist in the animation industry, where his passion and creativity brought many animated series and films to life. With his friend and business partner, Todd Kauffman, he co-created Grojband, Looped and The 9th Life of Sherman Phelps. Together they formed Neptoon Studios, combining their complementary talents and friendship. His experience in directing brought vision and creativity to Total Drama Island, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Corner Gas Animated, and many more. In 2021, he, alongside Todd Kauffman, received a nomination for Best Direction, Animation for True and the Rainbow Kingdom at the Canadian Screen Awards. His early career was filled with exciting projects that his family continue to enjoy together, like All Dogs Go to Heaven, Osmosis Jones, and Space Jam.
Mark shared his gift of artistry and creativity every day with those around him. It was very rare for someone to leave a get-together without a gift he had handmade for them. In the most recent years, he took up needle felting and spent his time creating different holiday pins for his wife, muppets for his sister’s collection, and ornaments for guests at the family’s annual Christmas in July party. When the kids in his life were young, he would help make their Halloween costumes like a papier mache Buttercup wig, a Back to the Future hoverboard, and a Mrs. Potato Head costume. He learned how to make moving models, creating a posable Audrey II and a wooden recreation of an online video for his son. All of the things he created were done out of love. He saw and heard what people loved, then got to work creating something unique just for them. His creativity extended beyond crafting; it could be seen in his bright Hawaiian shirts, twirled up moustache, and fun hats. It could be seen throughout his home with Laura in framed treasures, thrifted knick-knacks, and tiki mugs ready for a cocktail any time. It could also be heard in bedtime stories, funny songs he would make up for his kids, and while playing Barbies as ‘Uncle Barbieloo’ with his nieces. He will always be remembered for how he generously shared his craft with others and inspired others in their own artistic endeavours.
Mark spread humour and kindness to so many. His nephews will always remember his laughter, antics, and ability to crack a joke at the perfect time, “Ta Da”. Those closest to him will always remember him fondly for his ability to bring laughter to any situation. He often looked to the lighter side of things, bringing attention to the positive through a joke or silly face. And now, as we process this loss, remembering him is still bringing that same joy and laughter he brought us his entire life. Even during his battle, he would bring smiles to all of the nurses' and doctors' faces as he cracked jokes and lightened the air in the room.
Mark’s family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to his personal care team at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa and his home care team for providing him with wonderful care and support throughout his battle.
A celebration of life will be held on August 2, 2025, from 1 pm to 6 pm at Karen and Will Baird’s home in Midland, ON. The family asks that you come dressed in Hawaiian shirts or bright colours to celebrate the brightness Mark brought to so many people’s lives. Please email thethorntonfamily95@gmail.com to RSVP. Please contact the Midland Inn & Suites if you require accommodation information.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mark’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society.