Gregory Rex Thornock, 73, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, March 31, after battling Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Greg, or “Scruddy” as he was known to many, was born on Oct. 21, 1948, to Aden Kay Thornock and Kathleen Rose Rex Thornock. Greg was the youngest of four children and was welcomed to the family by brothers, Gaylon Kay and Aden Gordon; and sister, Gloria.
He grew up on the family’s Otter Creek Ranch, north of Randolph, Utah, which was the only place he ever wanted to live. He was taught to work hard and learned the principle of the law of the harvest well.
During his youth, Greg milked cows, drove tractors, farmed, irrigated, fed hay to the cattle from the back of a hay wagon and gathered cattle on horseback. He had a close relationship with his grandparents, who lived right next door. As an adult, fall was his favorite time of year — when the hay was in the stackyards and he could spend time on his horse rounding up the cattle, always with several cans of Mountain Dew in his saddle bag.
Most of Greg’s life was spent on Otter Creek Road, with the exception of school at Ricks College and Utah State University, and two years in Canada after receiving a call to the Western Canadian Mission. Greg loved Canada and the people he met while there.
After returning home, he joined the Wyoming National Guard. Somehow, much to his chagrin, he managed seven summer camps while spending six years in the Guard.
He met his wife, Colleen Picklesimer, in 1972 while at USU. They were married on June 22, 1973, in the St. George Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seven wonderful children were born to this union, and life was never dull in the Thornock household!
Greg supported his family by working at the Kemmerer coal mine, where he drove coal and overburden trucks and later became a foreman. His off-work hours were spent on the family ranch.
After seven years at the mine, Greg became a full-time rancher, which was all he ever really wanted. This eventually led to a partnership with his father and his brother, Gordon. As time went by, the ranch was split, and Greg’s son, Brady, joined the family business. Greg was active in the Rich County Farm Bureau for over 30 years and was the district chair of the Rich Conservation District for several years.
Greg loved Rich High School sports. He loved playing, coaching and watching basketball and football. For many years, he attended the State 1A Basketball Tournament without missing any games played by any of the schools. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Greg held many callings, but always maintained that being a Primary teacher was his favorite.
Greg is survived by his wife; children, Trenton (Mindy), Laurie (Matt) Woodruff, Troy (Denise), Tyler (Camille), Brady (Christi), Sherrie (Justin) Hall, and Millie (Michael) Vickery; 25 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gordon; and niece, Nikki Thornock.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the many friends and family who expressed love and concern for Greg over the past four years. They extend a special note of gratitude to Atas Homecare and Hospice, Kylie Argyle and Natalie Cornia for their exceptional care.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 3. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 4, with visitation one hour prior. Both visitations and funeral will be held at the Randolph chapel.
Funeral services under the direction of Walker Mortuary.
