Wayne Thorn

Wayne Kay “Corky” Thorn (1938 - 2021) passed away peacefully on May 30, 2021,surrounded by close family. Corky lived a happy and adventurous life. He was born inRaton, NM and moved to Los Alamos, NM at age 14 before graduating from Los AlamosHigh School in the class of 1956. During his time at LAHS, he proudly ran track, polevaulted, and was the star fullback for the mighty Hilltopper football team. Aftergraduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an electrician’s mate aboarddestroyers on western Pacific cruises from 1956 to 1960.He returned to New Mexico where he soon met the love of his life, Versave MaryRomero then of Lyden, NM, on a blind date set up by friends. Corky must haveimpressed Versave, to say the least, as they eloped to Las Vegas a few months later andbegan their 60 year marriage together in Los Alamos. In 1967, they moved to WhiteRock where they raised two children, Arleen (Stephen) and Chris (Deidre). Corky sharedhis love of sports by coaching several local youth sports teams, including YAFL andLittle League. He loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time camping, boatingand fishing with his kids and brothers. Corky and Versave then relocated to Eldorado ofSanta Fe in 1987 where they resided for over 30 years, hosting many memorable familyevents where Corky’s creativity shone through. He made magnificent Christmas pinatasfor the grandkids (Alyssa, Dylan, Molly, Tyler, and Katelynn). He set up elaboratetreasure hunts, played the guitar, and was famous for putting a little too much frosting onthe chocolate eclairs. In 2020, Corky and Versave returned to White Rock to be closer tofamily.Corky worked for 41 years at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He began as a truckdriver, hauling explosives around tech sites, then, much to Versave’s relief, he hung uphis dangerous driving gloves, and became a designer/draftsman at multiple sites and avariety of technical organizations until his retirement in 2000 when he focused on hisbowling and golfing among many other activities.Corky was well loved by his family and friends. His love of life and appreciation of thesmall things inspired everyone around him. Anyone who ever met Corky remembers thesparkle of his turquoise eyes, his kindness and compassion, his quiet laugh, and his firmhandshake. He is greatly missed, but has undoubtedly already moved on to his nextadventure and is charming all those around him.In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the COPD Foundation or the AmericanCancer Society.