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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
THORLAKSON, Thorbjorn Kenneth, CM, MD, FRCS, FRCSC, FACS - After a full, rich life, Dr. Ken Thorlakson passed away January 26, 2024, at age 100.
He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Paul H.T. and Gladys Thorlakson, wife Lorna, daughter Carla, and twin brother Robert.
Ken was born and raised in Winnipeg. After graduating from Gordon Bell High School, he entered the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. He interrupted his studies to join the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II and was posted to ship convoy service on the North Atlantic.
After receiving his MD in 1949, Ken pursued postgraduate surgical training in Britain. He returned to Winnipeg in 1956 and began his practice in general surgery at the Winnipeg Clinic and the Winnipeg General Hospital (now the HSC), and later also joined the active surgical staff at the Victoria General Hospital.
Dr. Ken, as he was known, dedicated his life to the healthcare profession. His contribution to the medical field and to his patients’ health spanned over 60 years. He was a skilled and gifted general surgeon, and a compassionate and caring physician. He was an early pioneer in gastric bypass surgery. His appointment as Surgeon Investigator (Manitoba) on the Canadian National Breast Screening Study in the early ‘80s led to the introduction of mammography to the province. He was a committed educator. As an associate professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba, his instruction benefited countless medical students, interns, and residents. He was the originator, and for 17 years editor, of the Surgical Undergraduate Teaching Handbook. Upon retirement from hospital appointments, he continued to perform minor surgeries and to see patients on a consulting basis at the Winnipeg Clinic until his retirement at age 85.
A community-minded individual, Ken served on many volunteer boards. An exceptional fundraiser for various organizations, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Rainbow Stage, and St. John’s-Ravenscourt School, he also chaired two highly successful campaigns: Valuing the Icelandic Presence at the University of Manitoba, and the Future Fund Capital Campaign for Lögberg-Heimskringla, the oldest continuously published ethnic newspaper in North America.
Ken was recognized many times over for excellence in his profession, in surgical teaching, and in community service. Awards included the Order of the Falcon (Iceland), the Peter D. Curry Chancellor’s Award (University of Manitoba), and the Lawrence S.G. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award (Icelandic National League of North America). He received the Order of Canada in 2007.
Ken married Lorna (née Olson) in 1950. They had four children: Carla, Patricia, Derek, and Ian. Throughout their 64 years together, Ken and Lorna enjoyed travels to many parts of the globe, including Australia and New Zealand, Russia, Iceland, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Singapore.
A favourite summer pastime was spending time with family and friends at the family camp on Lake of the Woods, where Ken tended to the moss, waterskied at age 72, picked up a paint brush when needed, hiked the island, studied the flora, and shared morning cups of tea in the veranda.
Outside interests included all things Icelandic, the Winnipeg Symphony, Manitoba Opera, Rainbow Stage, Bombers and Jets games, golf, and tennis, but mainly spending time with family and supporting his children and grandchildren in all their endeavours.
Ken will be remembered for his skill as a surgeon, his caring nature, his unpretentious and humble demeanor, his readiness to lend a hand or to help solve a problem, his sense of humour, his expert story-telling, engaging personality, keen interest in people, and his love for his family.
Remembering Ken with love are his children Patricia (Michael Loewen), Derek (Katherine Lind-Thorlakson), and Ian; grandchildren Ashleigh Loewen, and Bennett, Elsabeth and Signey Thorlakson; sister Tannis Richardson; sister-in-law Deborah Thorlakson; nephews David Richardson (Pam) and Hartley Richardson (Heather); and the Cooper clan in Vancouver.
Ken’s family is grateful to the team at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence where he resided the past 15 years, and to the caregivers who assisted him the last two and a half years.
A private service has taken place. To honour Ken’s memory, donations may be made to the Dr. Ken and Lorna Thorlakson Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice. (The Winnipeg Free Press 16 Mar 2024)
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