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Thornton Edward Jenkins

  Thornton Edward Jenkins died peacefully on Jan. 28, 2012, at his home in Sonoma, surrounded by his loving family.

  Thornton was born in San Francisco on Dec. 22, 1928, to Presly Thornton Jenkins Jr. and Irene Jovita (Estrada) Jenkins, and lived in San Francisco until 1931 when the family moved to Marin County. After graduating from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley in 1947, Thornton attended trade school and later became a successful building contractor/developer and co-founder of B & T Construction. He lived in Marin County until 1976, when he moved his family to Sonoma.

  The great-grandson of U.S. Navy Admiral and decorated war veteran Thornton Alexander Jenkins and a descendant of Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, Thornton had a passion for history. In his later years, he spent a great deal of time tracing his family roots, travelling to California’s Central Coast, Washington, D.C., Baja California, Mexico, and Spain. During his travels, Thornton discovered his great-great-grandfather on his maternal side was Don Joaquin Estrada, an early pioneer in California history and the grantee of the Santa Margarita Land Grant by then Gov. Juan Bautista Alvarado.

  Thornton loved the outdoors and was an avid fly fisherman, golfer and pilot. He was also a sports enthusiast and was always eager to share his love of the game and strong sense of sportsmanship with his children and grandchildren.

  Thornton enjoyed spending his summers on the Babine River in British Columbia, Canada, and it was there that he met his beloved wife of 25 years, Joy (Madsen) Jenkins.

  Thornton generously gave his time, talents and support to numerous nonprofits throughout Sonoma Valley. He was best known for the countless hours he contributed to the WillMar Family Grief and Healing Center, where he served on the Guardian of Light Committee and board of directors. In tribute to his amazing contributions, Thornton and his wife, Joy, were honored with WillMar’s Guardian of the Year Award in 2006.

  Thornton’s loving, caring and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him. He was a loyal friend, beloved brother and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband.

  In addition to his wife Joy, Thornton is survived by his son, Timothy Jenkins (Mary); his daughters, Kathlyn Jenkins-Race (Bob), Sharon Jenkins-Laird (Tony), Carrie Jenkins-Lennon (Ronnie), Tracy Egan (Michael), Cathy Handley (Craig); his stepsons, Karl Madsen (Debbie), Erik Madsen (Jackie); his stepdaughter, Karen Madsen; his brothers, Ramon “Bill” Jenkins and Presly “Skip” Jenkins (Julia); his sister, Marie Jenkins; and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

  Thornton is preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Joann Jenkins; his son, Michael Edward Jenkins Sr.; and his brother, John Stephen Jenkins.

  There are no words to describe how much Thornton’s family and friends will miss him. All are deeply saddened by his passing, but are comforted in knowing that he is finally at peace after a long and painful battle with cancer.

  A visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a  vigil at 4 p.m., at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA. 95476

  Friends are invited to a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at St. Francis Catholic Church. A reception will follow.

  All are welcome to attend and encouraged to share fond memories of Thornton.

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the WillMar Family Grief and Healing Center.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel.

Mission Cremation Service

525 West Napa Street

Sonoma, CA 95476

707-996-3655