THORLAKSON, Thorbjorn Kenneth, CM, MD, FRCS, FRCSC, FACS
After a full, rich life, Dr. Ken Thorlakson passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, age 100.
He was predeceased by his wife Lorna, daughter Carla, and brother Robert.
Ken was born November 27, 1923, in Winnipeg, to Dr. Paul H. T. (Thor) and Gladys Thorlakson. He and his twin brother Robert, along with sister Tannis, grew up in a busy, loving, caring household. Violin and piano lessons figured prominently, as did horseback riding and later jumping competitions, summers at Ponemah, and an epic canoe trip down the Nelson River to Churchill. Their home, often filled with myriad pets (birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs) was the go-to spot for friends to drop over and party on the specially constructed dance floor in the basement. Ken’s summer adventures in his teen years included cattle driving in Alberta, a stint as counsellor at Camp Stephens (Lake of the Woods), and in 1943 attending mandatory army training at CFB Shilo.
Following graduation from Gordon Bell High School in 1941 and two years of Pre-Med, he entered the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Extracurricular activities there included the Glee Club, acting as President of his Phi Kappa Pi Fraternity, and performing with the Merry Meds Barber Shop quintet(!). He was Student Board of Music vice-chair and Canadian Association of Medical Students and Interns junior rep. 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 as a radiotelegraph operator. He often recounted one night on watch during a violent storm when he narrowly missed being swept overboard.
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 Health Sciences Centre). Later, he also joined the active surgical staff at the Victoria General Hospital where he chaired the Continuing Education Committee for nine years.
Dr. Ken, as he was generally 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 published and presented numerous medical papers and scientific studies. He was a committed educator. As an associate professor of medicine at the U of M, his instruction benefitted 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, such as 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. To quote Atli Asmundsson, Consul General for Iceland, in 2006: “Dr. Ken has played the greatest part of any single individual in saving the two most important Icelandic Institutions in North America.”
From the Bawlf Gold Medal, “First Among the Fledglings” at Ravenscourt School in 1936, to receiving the Order of Canada in 2007, 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 was elected to Senior Membership in the Canadian Medical Association in recognition of major contributions to the medical profession.
It was while still at university that Ken, on leaving a friend’s wedding, spotted Lorna Olson on the church steps and was captivated by her lovely smile. They were married August 11, 1950. Their daughter Carla arrived the following year, a few months before Ken left for postgraduate surgical studies in Great Britain. After Ken completed his first set of exams, Lorna and Carla joined him for his postings in Ipswich, Leicester, then London, and lastly Rhyl, North Wales, where Patricia was born. On returning to Winnipeg, Ken joined the surgery department of the Winnipeg Clinic. Derek arrived in 1959, and Ian seven years later. To accommodate their busy family, Lorna and Ken designed a home that was built in the newly developing area of south Tuxedo, where the family lived for the next forty years. The “music room” in their home was where Ken taught the boys the rudiments of chord structure on the Heintzman, and where the family would gather for impromptu concerts. Dad would tune up his violin and the children would pick up various musical instruments: ukuleles, recorders, even bongo drums, and play or sing Christmas carols or other tunes to Carla’s accompaniment on the piano.
Throughout their 64 years together, Lorna and Ken enjoyed travels to many parts of the globe, including Australia and New Zealand, Leningrad, the Nordic countries (notably Iceland), Hong Kong, Greece, Spain, Rio de Janeiro during Mardi Gras, and Mexico. They visited daughter Carla at her Canada Foreign Service postings in Rome, London, and Singapore. One highlight while living in London was joining the throngs lining the avenue for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
A favourite summer pastime was spending time with family and friends at Gourley Island 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, tennis, the dance club with neighbours, 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, expert story-telling, engaging personality, keen interest in people, and his love for his family.
Remembering Ken with love and admiration are his children Patricia (Michael Loewen), Derek (Katherine Lind), Ian; grandchildren Ashleigh, Bennett, Elsabeth, Signey; sister Tannis Richardson; sister-in-law Deborah Thorlakson; nephews David Richardson (Pam), 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 been held.
To honour Ken’s memory, donations may be made to the Dr. Ken and Lorna Thorlakson Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation: https://www.mycharitytools.com/gift/wpgfdn/KenThorlakson, or a charity of one’s choice.
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