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Thorolfson, Frank, 1914-1977

  • Person
  • 1914-1977

Frank Thorolfson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 5, 1914. He was exposed to music through his father Halldor Thorolfson who was a singer and conductor of the Winnipeg Icelandic Choral Society. Frank initially studied piano with Eva Clare and Ragnar H. Ragnar in Winnipeg and then conducting at McGill University, followed by receiving an associate diploma from the Toronto Conservatory of Music (ATCM) in 1932. He founded and directed the Winnipeg Chamber Orchestra from 1938 to 1942, and served as conductor of the University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra from 1942 to 1944 and 1946. After serving in the Canadian Army from 1944 to 1946, he continued his musical training at the Chicago Musical College from 1947 to 1952 whereupon he received his Master of Music (MMUS) degree. Concurrent with part of this education from 1947 to 1952 he conducted the Chicago Bach Chorus, and from 1949 to 1951 he worked in administration and teaching at Chicago Musical College and at the Chicago Metropolitan School of Music. He returned to Canada where between 1953 and 1958 he conducted the Regina Ladies' Choir and from 1955 to 1958 he taught at the Regina Conservatory of Music and served as organist at the Knox-Metropolitan United Church. In 1959 Thorolfson became music director at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, which led to him heading the University's faculty for music starting in 1965 and continued to teach music history and aesthetics until 1970. In addition, from 1960 to 1961 he conducted the Bach Elgar Choir of Hamilton. From 1972 to 1977, he was Chancellor of the Royal Hamilton College of Music (RHCM). In addition to his work as a music educator, pianist, organist, and conductor, Thorolfson created his own compositions including the opera The Qu'Appelle River Legend (1955) and Saskatchewan Scenes for piano (1957).

Thorolfson died on March 26, 1977 in Hamilton, Ontario.

Thorson, Kim, 1932-

  • PA 251
  • Person
  • 1932-

Kim Thorson was born on March 2, 1932 at Macoun, Saskatchewan to Miles and Ethel Mary Thorson. He attended school in the Macoun district. Thorson earned Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to entering politics, Thorson was a farm economist with the Government of Saskatchewan. In December 1955, Thorson became the youngest candidate ever to contest a provincial election in Saskatchewan.

Thorson was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 1956 and served as a Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) member for the Souris-Estevan constituency until he was defeated in the 1960 general election by Ian Hugh MacDougall of the Liberal Party. Thorson returned to university and earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and was admitted to the bar in August 1964. He was a practising lawyer in Estevan when he was re-elected in a 1971 by-election. Thorson served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Souris-Estevan constituency until 1975.

Thorson served in the Allan Blakeney Government as Minister of Mineral Resources (1972-1973) and Minister of Industry and Commerce (1972-1975). He was also Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Power Corporation; Saskatchewan Economic Development Corporation; Liquor Licensing Commission; Liquor Board; and was Agent General. Thorson retired from political life in 1975.

Thorson resumed practising law full-time in Regina where he became a partner in the law firm of Griffin, Beke, Thorson, Olive & Waller. He later held partnership in the firms of Griffin Beke Thorson Goudie; Griffin Beke Thorson; Griffin Thorson Maddigan; and Hardy & Thorson. In the mid-1990s, Thorson moved to Weyburn and continued the partnership of Hardy & Thorson, and later formed Thorson & Horner. Thorson served on the Boards of Directors of IPSCO (1980-1992) and Cameco (1992-1998). He also served as Chairman of the T.C. Douglas Centre in Weyburn, and as a member of the Rotary Club of Weyburn and the Weyburn and District United Way.

Kim Thorson married Myrtle Lipsett on October 12, 1957. They have three children: Eric, Janet and Vanessa. Thorson continues (2010) to reside in Weyburn.

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