Nate Thornton (1915-2011)

January 3, 2011
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Georgia Wever writes with sad news:

Last night, James Nathan “Nate” Thornton passed away just short of his 96th birthday.  His wife of 24 years, Corine, phoned FFALB this morning to tell us that he had a peaceful death at home, watching “60 Minutes” on TV. Nate volunteered for the International Brigades with his father and served as a driver. A carpenter, wood-carver, member in good standing of the ILWU, an activist with School of Americas Watch and in solidarity with Cuba, he was also prominent in the Bay Area Post of Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade (VALB). Nate and Corine were supporters of Activists Forever! Friends & Family of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade (FFALB) from its inception.  For us, it is a deep loss.

Our hearts reach out to his wife, Corine. She can receive cards at 5499 Country Club Drive, Rohnert Park, CA  94928. For more information about Nate Thornton, read the booklet I am an International: Nate Thornton’s Story, published by Noyo Hill House in 2010.

Details on the memorial service will be announced at a later day. Click here for a 2009 interview with Nate in the East Bay Citizen.
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5 Responses to “ Nate Thornton (1915-2011) ”

  1. Rafael M. on January 3, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Descansa en paz compañero. No te olvidaremos y estarás en nuestros corazones.
    Do not forget your struggle, you’re always in our hearts.
    Gracias, Thank You

  2. Nate Thornton – dead at a young 95 « Sohum Parlance II on January 5, 2011 at 1:41 am

    […] Lincoln Brigade volunteers.  He passed away Sunday night while watching 60 Minutes.  He just peacefully went to sleep after a long productive […]

  3. Mayme Hubert on January 12, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    I interviewed Nate in November for a history project. He did have a wry sense of humor. As I researched the history that he lived through — the depression, ILA strike, Spanish Civil War, and the McCarthy period — I felt I was beginning to know a new friend. Corine will help me complete the work, and I’m grateful to her.

  4. Bill Gilson on January 13, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    Presente! Nate was one of the oldest members of Veterans for Peace, because veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade were welcomed as honorary members of VfP at the 2001 national convention in San Francisco. He never lost his zeal for the struggle for peace, justice and equality. We Veterans for Peace extend our condolences to the community of the International Brigades, whose struggle against fascism is a model for our time, in which we see a rise in fascist elements. I had the honor of being a guest in his home, meeting his wife and political partner Corine, and enjoying his commentary about his remarkable wood carvings. I was made a member of the Fort Point Gang, Nate’s hiking and breakfasting companions in San Francisco, of which I am proud. They shall not pass from our memories.
    Bill Gilson, vice president, Chapter 34 NYC Veterans for Peace.

  5. Steven Tavares on January 18, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    I am saddened to hear about Mr. Thornton. He was truly a great American. When I spoke to Nate in 2008 for our interview, I felt like I was speaking directly with history. What a life. My prayers are with his wife Corinne and his family. Fortunately, Nate’s story has been well-preserved for generations to come.