Christopher Thorne (Reckitt 1953)
09th August 2025
Submitted by Claire Lodge: I write to let you know that sadly my father, Christopher Thorne, died on 9 August this year.I believe he attended Leighton Park just after the war and thoroughly enjoyed his school years where he excelled both academically and in sports, particularly athletics.Upon leaving Leighton Park, and following his National Service, he attended Trinity College, Cambridge studying Natural Sciences. He was then appointed to the staff of the Cambridge University Biochemistry Department where he remained as a University Lecturer until his retirement in 1999.He was made a fellow of St Catharines College in 1963 and served as supervisor, Director of Studies and Tutor for 34 years. He was made an Emeritus Fellow in 2002 and continued to be involved in college life until ill health intervened.He embarked on his two main passions, outside of academia, at Leighton Park, athletics and bird watching. He learned to bird ring at school, instructed by a left handed trainer so always ringed with his left hand, despite being right handed. He continued with his bird ringing, overseeing the formation of the Wicken Fen Bird Ringing Group, just outside of Cambridge. He was awarded the British Trust for Ornithology Jubilee Medal, given to people who have made an outstanding contribution to the work of the BTO.He was also heavily involved in Cambridge University Athletics Club acting as Senior Treasurer for many years. He was a first class race timekeeper and often commentated on inter-varsity Oxford/Cambridge events. He was also Secretary of the Blues Committee and thus involved in all aspects of Cambridge sport.My father is survived by my mother, Dr Kareen Thorne, myself and my brother, two grandchildren and one great granddaughter.