Dr. David Thornton

Our beloved Dr. David Thornton lost his 18-year battle with cancer on October 4, 2016. He fought hard to live. He loved life, but the numerous tumors that developed over the past few months were just too much. He suffered greatly over the past few months and weeks. We are lost without him, but we are also relieved his suffering has ended. David wanted no funeral or service. David asked that his body be donated to his old stomping grounds, the UND School of Medicine. Dr. David Thornton was born Oct 29, 1949 in West Virginia. He completed his education at a community college and later graduated from UND with a BS in psychology. He went on to UND's School of Medicine and completed his degree in 1998, but was struck by cancer before he was able to complete his residency. Wishing to further the development of cures for renal cell cancer and the education of future physicians, David asked that his body (or "my carcass," as he said) be donated to UND School of Medicine. A curious and intelligent man, David continued to learn everything that interested him. He had many hobbies. David collected model trains; he was an excellent chef--two of his specialties were the fancy carrot layer cake with cream cheese icing and candied carrot strip ribbon he baked for Francine every birthday, and pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving Day. David liked to listen to music, especially Sammy Davis Jr, and Frank Sinatra. He loved classic movies and was well informed about them. David was also a history buff. David is survived by his beloved Francine McClendon and their sweet Papillon/Bichon dog Rudy. Trained to perform tasks to assist Francine with daily life, David described Rudy as "the smartest dog I ever knew." He took Rudy for many walks in their neighborhood, reporting to Francine upon their return that they had "walked to Grafton." David's death leaves a big hole in the lives of Francine and Rudy, both. He will also be missed by many friends, former colleagues and acquaintances. Inurnment will take place in 2020 in the UND School of Medicine Plot at Memorial Park North Cemetery in Grand Forks.