Terry Thorn Tributes
One of the last times I 'worked' with Terry was at the World Show in Poland in November 2006. We are seen here at a press conference for the Eukanuba World Challenge with some of his counterparts on the European stage. Terry was representing Crufts and the Kennel Club.
Terry was great to interview at such an event because he always had that natural, easy way about him. I attended many shows with him both in the UK and overseas, but did not attend as many as he did....we often joked about how many air miles he had collected!
You always had to be careful of any practical jokes as well....as Bob Dyke will testify with the 'Mickey Mouse' watch escapade one year at Crufts.
A great horse racing man as well and OUR DOGS were the proud sponsors of Terry's racing colours...not that we ever had a winning tip off him!
The world will be a poorer place without Terry.OUR DOGS sends condolences to Zena and all of Terry's family at this sad time.
Vince Hogan
Managing Director
OUR DOGS
Terry Thorn was a friend of dogs and dog people throughout the world and the many hundreds who came into contact with him remembered him for his warmth and his enthusiasm.
Those of us who were privileged to know him well have not just lost a friend but someone who we respected and admired for his knowledge, his willingness to listen and then to help, his courage, his even handedness and his sense of humour.
For many years Southern Counties was his 'local' show and the Association was delighted to be responsible for giving him is very first Best In Show Appointment. We will miss him greatly.'A true friend to everyone and gentleman
David and Angela Cavill
Terry Thorn died just a couple of weeks after his 73rd Birthday. We were all shocked when we heard, nearly eighteen months ago, that Terry was so ill with a particularly aggressive form of cancer. Terry put up the kind of positive fight against this dreadful disease that you would expect from a man of his determination and enthusiasm. For him, for Zena and for all those close to him, the last year and a half must have been so very difficult. I am so glad that I managed to speak to him one last time just a week before he died. He was still as compos mentis as ever, and was able to send his good wishes to me and Kate in his usual positive way.
Terry who of course had lots of other interests, came to dogs through Salukis and had considerable success with them in the 1960s and the 1970s but it was as a Judge that he is so obviously best known. He awarded CCs for the first time in 1968, was approved for the Hound group in 1974 and to Judge Best in Show in 1983. He was the only Judge of his generation to be approved to award Challenge Certificates to every recognised breed in this country. He joined the Kennel Club in 1970 and joined the General Committee in 1989 in which year he also joined the Judges’ Sub-Committee. His involvement with Crufts went back to the 1960s and he was so proud when he became Vice-Chairman then Chairman in 2004. I was pleased to serve under his Chairmanship on the Judges’ Working Party from 1997 when we made so many changes to the way judges are trained and developed in this country, and laid the foundations for the modern UK judge training programmes.
Terry was very much an achiever – he got things done. You didn’t always agree with what he did, but his ability to move things on was never in dispute. He was no saint - but equally he himself recognised that, and he was never sanctimonious. If he tried to pull one over on you and got caught, his attitude was “That’s a fair cop Guv!” and then he moved on to the next thing and never bore a grudge.
As an all-round judge at no time did he become obsessed either by his own importance on the one hand, or by his omniscience on the other. He always read his breed standards before judging every breed, and he was always interested to hear how experts felt he had performed when judging their breed. In short, he was intelligent enough to know what he didn’t know!
Having arrived at the pinnacle as a judge, he didn’t want to lord it over others. On the contrary he was constantly pushing to encourage younger judges and did a great deal to help many of our present generation of multi-breed judges to climb the judging ladder just as he had done.
As I said earlier we will not remember Terry as any sort of saint. We will however remember his achievements, his loyalty as a friend, his breezy personality, his sense of humour and his determination to enjoy life to the full. We shall miss him - but we must now, at this difficult time turn to supporting Zena for whom all of this must have been a dreadful nightmare. That’s the course of action that Terry would have wanted and I am sure it’s what he, in other circumstances, would have put into practice himself.
Ronnie Irving
Terry Thorn was elected as a Member of the Kennel Club on 17th November 1970, having been initially proposed by Commander G N P Stringer and seconded by Mr Bryn Jones, who had each known him for ten years. In his support of the proposal, Mr Jones notes that Terry had attended Cheltenham Technical College prior to a three-year stint in the RAF.
According to Mr Jones, Terry bought his first dog in 1960 and had bred 12 Champions by the time of his proposal as a Member. He had further demonstrated his commitment to dogs as a member of the committee of both the Saluki and Greyhound Clubs, Chairman of Sutton and District Dog Show Society and President of the Crystal Palace Kennel Association - all by the age of 35.
In closing his letter, Mr Jones advised that ‘I am confident that, should he be fortunate in being elected a Member of the Kennel Club, he will prove to be an asset, and loyal; remaining considerate and dedicated to dogs.’ His judgement was to prove extremely well-founded.
During his time as a Member of the Kennel Club, Terry played an important role on several of the Club’s committees. He was elected onto the General Committee in 1989, a position he remained loyal to until has sad death. In the same year, he also became a member of the Judges Sub-Committee, which he subsequently became Chairman of in 1996, a role he held for five years until resigning in 2001. He may be most fondly remembered latterly as the Chairman of the Crufts Committee, a position he acquired in 2004, having become a member in 1998. Despite stepping aside last year due to his ill health, Terry remained Vice Chairman of Crufts in its record-breaking year this year.
Speaking on behalf of the Kennel Club, Events and Education Executive Vanessa McAlpine said, “Terry was extremely well-liked and respected by everyone who worked here, or who sat on a committee with him during his many years with the Kennel Club. He got along with everyone and it was a real pleasure working alongside him for the benefit of dogs. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
The Kennel Club
It was always fun working with Terry at Crufts, or in to be his company at other shows. There have been and will be many so called personalities in the dog game, but, in my opinion, none will match the easy charm, the native ability and the good nature of Tel.
Terry lived through eighteen months of a dreadful disease with unbelievable courage and, despite pain and discomfort managed to carry out one of his last judging appointments at the National in May 2007 with style and aplomb.
Throughout his illness Terry was always available to help us on matters affecting Crufts and we are going to miss him dreadfully and for me he’s a hard act to follow as Chairman.
For Zena, my heartfelt sympathy and praise for her fortitude throughout Terry's indisposition - and for Terry a fond farewell - if there is life hereafter - our great loss is their gain.
Eric Smethurst
Chairman Crufts Committee
Terry Thorn was internationally recognized and respected as a giant in the Sport of Purebred Dogs. I and many others have lost a good friend and The Kennel Club has lost a prominent leader and driving force. On behalf of myself and the entire American Kennel Club, I offer sincere condolences to Terry’s wife, Zena, to The Kennel Club, and to his many friends in the United Kingdom.
Ron Menaker
Chairman of the Board
American Kennel Club
My personal memories of Terry Thorn go a long way back. In fact Terry walked into my life in 1969 when I became involved with Hope Waters Burydown Salukis. At a certain point Hope had to somehow use one of Terry´s studs (Ch Tahawi Kamran), I was so lucky to have choice of litter! This was a very successful bitch and a full sister to Terry´s famous Ch Tahawi´s Zafaran, so from that point onwards Terry and I became better acquainted.
Over the past 40 years I was able to observe his constant evolution as a breeder/judge/ organizer within the British dog scene as well as to witness his self evolution as a capable, devoted and extremely decisive individual. Everything in life grows if it is properly nurtured , and so did my relationship with Terry, based over the years on an ever growing mutual respect.
Terry was versatile in his contribution to the Canine Sport, and in every area he involved himself he left his personal mark.
Terry was a perfectionist. He gave himself into whatever he was doing on behalf of the world of dogs with total dedication and an almost frightening intensity. Because he was highly competitive, he was also tremendously successful in achieving his personal goals. He also had this international vision about our canine world much before anyone else among his peers, and was highly respected worldwide.
He could be a great friend as well as a fearsome foe and the Canine British scene, albeit the world of purebred dogs, was richer because he simply was there.
As a judge he had presence, flair and ring command which, in my opinion , are the fundamental traits for a successful performance. He also kept these traits to the very end when it must have been extremely difficult for him to cope in the ring. I always admired the way he walked into a ring and took command and I looked upon him as an example. Whatever his decision, he had the perfect way of taking it!
Terry was what could be described as a modern times Warrior and we should all mourn his departure and respect his memory.
I personally feel much richer because I had the privilege to include him for many years in my world. And, of course, I shall also miss him tremendously.
Carla Molinari,
Portugal.
We heard the news of Terry's passing at East of England on Thursday morning and there was great sadness at the loss of this wonderful dog man who was held in such high regard by everyone. Terry Thorn was approachable to all and always had time for folk.
He will be missed tremendously and we will never see his like again because he was so very special. A true gentleman and wonderful peoples person who always had a lovely smile and kind word. Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go to Zena and family at this very sad time.
Margaret & Frank Wildman
It is indeed a very sad time for the canine world. Terry was an absolute gentleman, his attitude toward exhibitors and their dogs exemplary.
He judged the Southern English Springer Spaniel open show with relish, we all felt he wanted to be there and he thouroughly enjoyed his day.
May I on behalf of the SESSS officers, committee and members send sincere condolences to Zena and the family at this terribly sad time.
RIP Terry
Graham Osborne
Chairman
SESSS
Whenever you entered a show under Terry Thorn you knew you were going to have a good day out, whatever the results. Terry judged the dogs and judged them well. He was kind to the dogs and always encouraging to the handlers, and gave us personally some lovely days to remember. The world is far the poorer for his loss. Deepest sympathies to Zena and all the family. All at Beaverbrook Labs.
Phil and Donna Goodall
The dog world will certainly miss Terry. A true gentleman who always acknowledged you with a smile.
I will always be truely thankful to Terry for giving my girl her first CC and setting her on the road to gain her title, which she did.
He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Zena.
David & Kath Robson
Robricci Weimaraners
In the past I have often shown my dogs under Mr Thorn and élways found him a true gentleman I used to have collies under the prefix CERVINE but now am in France breeding Ayustralien Shepherds He will be greatly missed condolances to his family
Mavis Payne ex Pengelly
A true gentleman in every sense of the word. A great loss to the world of dogs. Sleep easy Terry.
Ann & Robert Waters
CHOLTO BULLDOGS
The UK dog fraternity and indeed the whole world of show dogs has lost one of the greatest ambassadors of our time.A rare true gentleman in and out of the show ring.An honour & privilege to have known him.
My sincere condolences to Zena & all the Family.
Di Butler
Terry was one of the true gentlemen of the Dog World, always a cheery smile and hello,You will never be forgotten Terry, and the Dog Shows will be the poorer without you, rest peacefully
Elizabeth Montgomery
Cabotcove Pekingese
Terry the son, brother, husband and uncle and all round gentle-man.
All of his family will greatly miss our Trev and still can not believe his passing; as many of the comments in these tributes have mentioned his gentle-man ways, his saucey sense of humour and his love of life, dogs, horses, his nearest and dearest - he has left a void that can never be filled, we love him and will miss him so so much, the good always are taken far too early : Love from all your family and the pictures of him are wonderful. xxxxxxxxxxx
Soraya
Terry was one of my all time favourite judges, especially if I was bringing out a new puppy - so kind and gentle with the babies and always so professional in the ring.
Sue Bagnall, Soojon Boxers & Pugs
'how sad - what a lovely man'
Angela
It was indeed a great shock to hear of the dead of my long time friend, Terry Thorn.
He was a well known personality, worldwide. His expertise on dogs made him famous, and his charisma certainly made him loved by everyone who knew him, respected by all those who ever came in contact with him, either as an exhibitor or otherwise.
His great success never went up to his head, and he made sure he had time for everyone, stopping by to say hello and spending a few moments with anyone who wanted to have a chat with him, no matter how busy or in a hurry he would have been.
He was a great ambassador to dogs and the dog world in general, it will be certainly very difficult, not to say impossible, to replace such a true giant, and his knowledge on all canine matters will never be surpassed.
Many people learnt a lot from his professionalism and expertise, that includes me, and for that I will be forever grateful to him. I feel honoured to have known him, and particularly privileged of having him as a friend.
I will always cherish the good times we had together, especially the wicked jokes we played on some people! The dog world has lost its greatest judge, a true gentleman and a priceless, dear friend. My sincere condolences to his wife, Zena and his family.
Terry, you will always be in our hearts, and we shall never forget you. God bless him and may his soul rest in peace.
Frank Borg
Malta.
You started me off in the world of dogs when you gave me Best Puppy at an exemption show 39 years ago. It is hard to believe we will never see that smile and hear the kind or jovial words or get a quick hug of congratulations as we pass at the shows. You always asked after Tom. We will never forget.
You have suffered so much which did not seem fair for someone who was so kind to many people throughout the world.
God Bless you Terry may your soul rest in peace.
To Zena, we cannot try to understand what you must be going through at your loss of this great man. You have been so brave over these past months. May God, bestow peace on you at this sad time and bring you hope.
Cecelia, Tom and Charlotte Boyle, Berinshill.
What a great man to lose in the dog world . and a sad day for all of us . a true gentleman god bless terry we will meet again some day .deepest sympathy to zena and family . julie and all at kopykats
Julie Moss
We are so sorry to hear the sad news that our dear Terry passed away and we want to be next to you and your family with all our heart. We will miss our big expert cynophilist and his great and long lasting work in judging our dogs. Sincerely yours, Massimo,Giulio and Enrico.
ITALY
Kho I Noor Kennel
So sorry to hear this sad news, a well respected gentleman whose passing will leave a hole in the world of dogs. He will be missed sorely by everybody who knew him and my heartfelt sympathies go out to zena and family at this sad time.
Pauline
Terry will be a great loss to the Dog Fraternity World Wide,he was a Superb Ambasador for the British Dog Scene.
His knowledge and his work will be remembered.
Although He was at the 'Top of the Tree' He Never forgot those on the lower branches,always had a smile and 'Hello' for all.
Sincere sympathey to Zena and all his Family,
Avril Lacey and Stan Szyczewski (Weetoneon Pulis and Afghans)
The last true Genleman in the dog world and indeed the kennel club.
He will be sadly missed.
My thoughts are eith Zena and the family.
Sad day for the dog world to lose such a lovely person as Terry Thorn, I always like him to judge my puppies on there first outing, if possible as he was so gentle and kind with a sometimes unruly youngster, Our thoughts go to his family at this time, Terry will be missed by everyone that ever met him.
Sue & Bill Turner
When I was a teen-ager, road walking my dogs I enjoyed the company of my next door neighbour's Saluki,Ch. Tahawi Remmon Ramah. I loved that dog and admired a great deal the breeder who had been able to produce such a lovely creature.That breder was Terry Thorn.
Later on I happened to meet Terry, here in Italy, and worked with him as a stewart several times and every time it was such an educational experience for me. Good bye Terry, it's so sad to realize we won't see anymore.
Carlo Colonna
Terry's death leaves a sad void in the world of judging, teaching, and showing. Once when he was judging BIS at an open show I was lucky enough to talk to him and I asked him how he remembered all the breeds.
He said ,'Do not be afraid to take your breed standard into the ring where you are judging or be afraid to refer to it during the judging". I know Terry gave many people good advice throughout his life and was always patient with everyone, whatever their status or experience within the world of dogs.
My thoughts are with Zena and and his many, many close friends
May he rest in peace
Jane Waller
Terry and I were friends for nearly 30 years, but our friendship took on a new meaning when he was diagnosed with cancer, as from then on we would speak regularly every week and compare notes. He kept his sense of humour right up to the end and we would always find something to laugh about when we spoke, although I know that he often found it painful to laugh.
Norman Ziman
I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Terry. He was one of the old school - a dog man through and through He was also a real gentleman, not something you see too often these days. He will be sadly missed, there are so few judges with his knowledge and understanding we can`t afford to loose any.
I have shown under him many, many times over the years, and he was always kind to puppies, and polite and gracious to handlers even if they were not a 'face'. I will miss him around the shows. He was a person of principle and standing.
God bless and rest in peace Terry.
Trisha Dean. "Asterel" Estrela Mountian Dogs.
We would like to send our condolances to Zena and her family on the sad loss of Terry ( a true gentleman) the dog world has lost a great character.
regards Di and Paul Stilgoe
I live in France, where Terry Thorn was a popular judge. His excellent command of French meant that his critiques were well written and displayed a thorough knowledge of whichever breed he judged. His memory for names of dogs and people was prodigious, as was his sound knowledge of the finer points of so many breeds. Always courteous and dignified, but with a keen sense of humour, he will indeed be sorely missed.
Jane Naylor
Very sad to hear the news.Terry was a very special man who was loved and admired by so many people.To watch him judge dogs was just amazing every dog was given the same special treatment and gone over with superb perfection.
The dog world has lost a very special man.We all will miss you Terry.Our thoughts go out to Zena and family.
Angie Hughes (Ruffntuff)
The dog world is a sadder place with Terry Thorn's passing, a kind and gentle judge and a gentleman, my thourghts are with his family at this sad time.
Pat Fordyce-Gale
What a very sad day for all his family and everyone in the dogshowing world,he will be very sadly missed by all.
Sue Herd
It was always a pleasure to enter my Lowchens under Terry Thorn. He was such a knowledgeable and very fair judge. He understood the importance of producing an informative critique and always hit the nail on the head when assessing exhibits.
Dogdom has lost such a lovely man of great stature and a real gentleman to boot.
Our thoughts go out to his wife and family at this very sad time.
Sandy Steward
Pridesden Lowchens
Aberdeen
Am so sad to hear the news. My last memory of Terry was when we took him to the Seafood Restaurant in Bangkok and I have never seen anyone eat and enjoy so much in one sitting. Hope they have plenty of shellfish in Heaven!
My condolences Zena.
Jackie Perry, Phuket,
A lovely gentleman
Pauline Miller
Sincerest condolences to Zena and Terry's closest relatives and friends. Terry was a true gentleman, not only a credit to our hobby but a man of tremendous value to dogdom in general. A deservedly respected and always considerate judge whose like may never be seen again.
May he rest in peace and may some comfort be brought to those closest to Terry that he was and will always remain a highly respected and admired individual whose passing is genuinely mourned world wide.
Teri
Terry Thorn, a really wonderful man, so kind, so helpful, so knowleable, the dog world will miss this remarkable and kindly man. Always a smile and wonderful with puppies. Our lives have been the richer for knowing him.
Sympathy to Zena and family.
Sincerely Patricia and Maurice Endersby
In view of Terry Thorn's long service to the world of dogs, I wonder if
someone, maybe the Kennel Club, will set up a fund in his name for
anyone who may wish to donate money to a cause dear to his heart, in his
memory.
It would be a nice tribute that even those of us who were not
close to him, but appreciated his wisdom and his dedication to the world
of dogs and showing, could acknowledge it in some small way.
I would be
interested in being able to give something in his memory and I am sure I
cannot be the only one to feel that way.
Marian Mynott
Honeybet Cavaliers
Even having reached the pinnacle of success in his world of dogs, Terry Thorn never thought that age or position were ever an excuse for bad manners.
When you met Terry he always had that genuine smile, a cheerful 'Hello', and an ever readiness to offer advice or support when needed. He has been in our thoughts over the past months and always will remain so.
One of life's true gentlemen. It was an honour to have known him.
Bill & Margaret Bunce
The world is a sadder place without the true gentleman that Terry was, his kind are so few are far between, he will always remembered by his lovely smile and helpful ways.
Sandie Tadd
Having judged a number of times both in England and overseas with
Terry Thorn he was one of Englands greatest ambassadors in the world of dogs.
Always the perfect gentleman with a deep interest and knowledge of all breeds, he had that rare ability to put every one at ease be they established or new exhibitors.
He will be remembered with affection wherever dog shows are held. May he rest in peace.
Barry Makepeace
Although not knowing Terry personally I watched him judge on several occassions at different shows and doing different breeds, he had a lovely manner with both the dogs and the exhibitors and unlike some paid attention to the exhibits being showen under him.
He will be remembered I am sure for lots of reasons I dont think there is anyone could say other than he was a very smartly dressed gentleman and well respected.
To his wife and family I would like to extend my sympathy and sure he will be gratly missed.
Anon
Our sincere thoughts are with Zena and family at this terribly sad time. We will always remember Terry with great fondness as he was always such a polite and caring judge and he always had time for everyone. The dog world has sadly lost a true gentleman and he will be sorely missed.
Maxine & Peter McCullough
So very sad to hear about the very sad death of Terry Thorn, he was a very well respected Judge and one that I admired greatly. He was very well thought of by everyone, and will be sadly missed.
Annette Tasker
- A true Gentleman in the world of dogs, sadly missed
J Eanette
A lovely, lovely man. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
Karen
Will be sadly missed. I remember Terry from way back as a child when he was a friend of My mother and father ( Ted Thornton) we all showed salukis. I now show cresteds and had great respect for his judging throughout the years.
Also I respected him for witholding on placings as some dogs should never be placed. He always had a joke and a smile, will be sadly missed. Our hearts go out to Zena, who must remember she will always have alot of friends in the dog world. RIP our dear friend.
One in a millon
Fay Hutchings
Molloney Miniature Wires
The world has lost one of the few real gentlemen that were left in the world.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Lady Karin Hickson
Good bye, Terry. It was a pleasure to meet you in Spain years ago.
My thoughts are with Zena and all the family
The Officers and Committee of Belfast Dog Show Society are saddened to learn of the untimely death of Mr Terry Thorn. Terry was indeed a great friend of Belfast Dog Show and had judged for us on numerous occasions. We send our sincere condolences to his wife Zena and family circle.
Alexa Brown
Resting where no Shadows will ever Fall.
He was one of a Kind.
Rewari Labradors
We are very sorry to hear a very nice man like Terry to leave us after been such a great man and very good judge to dogs world wide he be very sadly missed God bless to Terry and his family warmest wishes.
Maria Cox
The most lasting memories of Terry will be of his broad welcoming smile and his phenomonal memory for individual dogs, their wins and handlers. He was truly a dog man and a gentleman who always judged in a professional and efficient manner. He will be sorely missed in the world of dogs worldwide - he had probably forgotten more about dogs than of us will ever know. Good night Terry, I hope you are in a more peaceful place surrounded by your beloved dogs and horses.
Kathy Gorman
So very sorry to hear about his death, I had a very high regard for his judging, he certainly knew a good dog.
He will be sadly missed, condolences to Zena and family.
Margaret Hamilton (Margham Dandie Dinmonts)
I met Terry many years ago he was a gentle and very knowelegable dog man he made up my first ch who he loved very much. We will not see the likes of him again the last time was in Brussels and he must have been ill then but he was his usually happy careing self I send my sympathy to his wife Zena and his family.
Pat Heys
It was with sadness I heard of the passing of Terry Thorn. Whilst there is some consolation in him be relieved of his suffering it is with his family that my thoughts are with at this sad time.
His passing will leave a void both as a man and for his knowledge and expertise. He epitomised all that was good about the canine world and was a true ambassador of the Uk dog word, where ever he travelled.
There are two words often overused these days but Terry Thorn was both a gentleman and a true Dogman, He will be missed by all who knew or met him.
Nigel Price
What a gentleman. he encouraged us greatly when he judged in Cardiff and I have always valued his judgement.
He will be sadly missed, thinking of all the family
Liz & Gordon Davies Cenninpedr Great Danes
I shall always remember Terry Thorn as a kind person - I first met him when I began in the dogworld in England and later after I moved to Denmark - May he rest in peace
Pia Palmblad Wright
Been dreading the day that this sad news would brake, ever since we learned re his illness.
A true gentleman in every sense, always had time for you, if you asked his opinion re something.
Terry had the most magnificent brain for the finest of details. His handwriting was was just perfect and even to read. The canine world has lost one of its greatest ambassadors ,There is no one in the younger generation who can get even close to what Terry has done or achieved or who can earn the respect he had.
I will miss him. To Zena and his family my deepest condolences.
Yvonne Knapper-Weijland (sundust american cockers)
Terry Thorn was such a gentleman and it was always a enjoyable day when he judged our breed.So gentle and kind with the dogs.
Penny Richards
Terry Thorn - Judging poodles in Norway
Anna & John Marshall
Terry Thorn pictured after judging Best In Show at the Evesham & D.C.S Open Show in July 1997.
He was much loved and appreciated by us all and was a great supporter of Open Shows, we never asked for his help in vain and will miss his smiling face – as will everyone in the world of dogs.
It was always a highligt to meet Terry somewere around this world at a dogshow. I would have travelled to the end of the world to show my dogs under him.
I feel privileged to have known him personally.
Conny Verelst-Loest
OES and Bearded Collie, Belgium
Terry, Such a sad loss of an influential and admirable gentleman, who was so approachable, had a wicked sense of humour, and always had time for you in his busy well scheduled life. Since I first got to meet him in the early 90s when he awarded me my first BIS at NWB, he has been a fantastic guy to call a friend, always available for advise, discussion and a problem solver if needed, I have spent some great times in his company and loved the way he always made everybody welcome in a conversation. His acknowledged prowess in the judging ring was second to none and he made showing under him, what dog shows should be, an enjoyable, fun experience, with always the right comment at the right time. The social times and meals out have been great, the tips, especially the football ones, not so good, but what a brilliant experience to have known you. May you be organising and Judging the best ever show in heaven, RIP young Terence. Our thoughts are with you Zena, and also his family at this very sad time.
Jeff and Amanda
A true gentleman, he treated exhibitors with the respect they deserve, unlike alot that we have after paying so much for entries. It's a real shame.
Mrs R Trendle
I was saddened to receive the phone call to say that Terry Thorn had died. I first became aware of Terry when I was very much a junior handler and I was asked by Terry if I would sit with his Saluki on her bench whilst he showed his Greyhound which was the breed we owned at the time. Always very encouraging when I first started to show my first Greyhound and once we progressed into the GWP's he was always interested in what we were showing and what new prospects we had waiting in the wings. When I first started expand on my judging experience Terry was also very encouraging which gave me the confidence to take on new breeds and this encouragement continued as my experience increased. Even if you called him in an evening he would still find time to help and offer advice. He was a perfect gentleman - he always had time for everyone - not just the well known exhibitors but everyone. When he judged he gave every dog the same time and attention whether they were in contention or not. He could also find a good dog from the younger classes and then follow it's progress and be pleased when that dog went on to gain bigger success. I just cannot believe we are never again going to see Terry stride across a showground with his judges folder in one hand, smiling and chatting to people along the way. He has been an incredible ambassador to the "dog world" both as an exhibitor and a judge - RIP Terry you will be very sorely missed. My condolences to his family at this very sad time.
Sharon Pinkerton
We got our first Saluki from Terry in 1969, and he remained a friend and a mentor ever since, always ready with sound advice and help, always joking about himself, a man who enjoyed life to the full. He encouraged me to show my dog, then later to breed, eventually to judge. I would never have reached anywhere in the world of dogs without his guidance and advice. He was a wonderful teacher, if you stewarded for him and asked him about the breed, he would point out the virtues and faults on every dog. He was modest and NEVER full of his own importance, a very sad loss to the world of dogs, he will be remembered by so many.
Zola Rawson
We will never see the likes of Terry Thorn again in this country. Not only has our sport lost one of its champions, we have lost someone who was very much in tune with exhibitors. Terry had time for everyone, regardless of their status, and he could be relied upon for sound advice based on his wealth of experience in various fields. We benefitted from the support offered by him when he gave freely of his time and expertise on an important issue involving us. He may have gone, but he certainly will not be forgotten.
Stuart Band & Cindy McCarthy
Terry was a real gentleman and he will be sadly missed He was friendly to everyone whether they were an ordinary exhibitor or a top judge. He always remembered people and when I saw him at shows he always acknowledged that I was there no matter who he was with at the time. He also remembered dogs he had judged. Many years ago he gave a GWP bitch, at her first show, best puppy in breed at GBAS. About three or four years later he was judging at SKC and the bitch was entered and he said to the owner lets see if she can still move as she did as a pup. The owner works the dogs and seldom shows so he would not have seen her or the bitch at shows. What an amazing talent that he could recognise the bitch after all that time.
I will miss seeing him around the shows and the world of dogs will be a sadder place without him. There will be lots of stories told about him and they will all be nice as everyone respected and admired him.
My condolences to his family. RIP Terry
Pat Dempster
A great loss to the dog world.
Our thoughts are with Zena and the Family
It is an extremely sad day and loss for Terry s family, but its is an even greater loss and tragedy for the canine world. The loss of such a well respected, kind and helpful gentleman will leave a large void in dogdom for many years to come. He truly was Best In Show and he will be missed from the bottom of our hearts!
Gary Gregory
Terry Thorn was a "gentleman" right down to the letter. Thank you Terry for your words of encouragement in the past.
A great loss to one and all.
T. Hales
Sandvika
Mr Terry Thorn was a higly respected judge in Finland. He judged often at our major shows and also breed club shows. His way to judge dogs and handle exhibitors was one of a kind - he will be missed a lot. Our sincere condolecenses to Zena and all the family.
on behalf of
The Finnish Kennel Club
Olli Rahi, Chief Excecutive Officer
You will never be forgotten ....always such a happy judge,such a pleasure to of show my dogs under you & you always said hello & had time to chat.R.I.P Terry.My thoughts are with your lovely wife Zena & your family.
Sharon Sutherland (witchgait shar pei)
Terry was one of the dog world's great gentleman and ambassadors. His knowledge, unbiased judging and good humor always shone brightly in the Barbados sun where he had many friends. I will always hold a special place in my heart for him for recognizing my dogs. Thank you Terry for helping me achieve my ultimate goal.
My sincerest condolences go out to Zena and those closest to them.
Sarah Hamilton
CrownRidge Ridgebacks
Barbados
A very knowledgeable gentleman the dog world's loss.
Our sympathy to his family.
Pam & Stef Godber
Our thoughts are with Zena and the family.
A true gentleman and always so smartly dressed .
We would like to echo the thoughts of all others on this tribute page.
Terry was instantly a friend to everyone who spoke to him & he didn’t mind taking the time to talk about all things “dog”.
His memory for the dogs he judged previously was incredible considering the amount of judging he actually did.
His like will never be seen again around the rings again, a true gentleman & we are all poorer for his loss.
Our condolences to Zena & family.
Gary & Christine Patterson
Gavleash Wheatens
The dog world has lost a wonderful judges !
I was lucky to show under Terry more times but the last two will stay as a very clear picture in my head. He was a great ¨dog person¨ but also very nice and fun to show under. Always with a nice remark and a great smile.
The very last time was in Mouscron, Belgium , feb. 2007 and shortly there after I heard that he had cancelled the judging appointments in Europe the rest of the year.
My thoughts goes to his family.
Mette Sørum
www.zalazar.dk
Terry Thorn was always someone who people were happy to give their entry to because they knew he would always be kind, polite and have time for people and their dogs. The world of dog showing will not be the same as he and more people like him leave it.
With sympathy to his nearest and dearest.
Carole Bell
Tamworth
Certainly the end of an era, the passing of a rare gem from the dog world, a gentleman who made his exhibitors feel special and equal, he took every judging appointment proffessionaly from BIS at crufts to breed classes at an open show. He was only interested in, 'the dog at the end of the lead' and was always consistant with his decisions - if he liked your dog as a youngster he would like them as an adult.
He didn't follow trends and if you were lucky enough to be judged by him in the big ring, you knew it would be 'an equal playing field' and all would be judged on their merits on the day.
I will miss his expertise, his integrity and his smile.
JEAN HARRISON (PARADISE GORDON SETTERS)
It was a great shock to hear the dead of Mr Terry Thorn, a gentleman in the sport of purebred dogs and one of the most respected allround .
A great lost to the world of dogs.
The committee and I want to express our condolences to Zena and family.
Pietro Paolo Condo’
Chairman of Club Cani Compagnia
Italy