Thorvald "Thor" Oskar Rasmus Brodersen

Thorvald Oskar Rasmus Brodersen passed away peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on August 3, 2016. He was born on August 16, 1931 in Irishtown, New Brunswick; the son of Danish immigrants, Terkild and Hertha Brodersen. 

Thor was an entrepreneur who owned and operated Atlantic Signs Ltd. He worked in the sign industry from 17 years of age until his retirement in 1986. He continued to work part-time in the sign business well into his 80’s. He was a respected boss, and believed in rewarding his workers for their hard work and company loyalty.

Thor would be best defined by his Christian values, and his commitment to youth sports; especially hockey. A firm believer in giving back to the community, he was a relentless community volunteer; giving of his time, wisdom and resources. The Salvation Army, the Full Gospel Business Men and the Simonds Lions Club benefitted from his time and energy. He was a motivational speaker who spoke across the country.

 He was a well-known and respected hockey and baseball coach. For over 25 years he coached, fundraised, and managed the Simonds Minor Hockey League and the Simonds Little League. A generous and caring man, he drove many a young hockey player to early morning practices and games, and fed many their breakfasts, lunches or suppers. He was co-founder of the Saint John Royals hockey team, and at a time when few teams left Saint John, he and his team competed in Quebec City and Sweden. He was especially proud of having audiences with the King of Sweden at the Royal Palace in 1973 and 1975.

He was a devoted Christian and attended church faithfully. As a believer in bringing the word of God to youth, he was the co-founder and developer of Circle Square Ranch on Snider Mountain; a Christian summer camp where children could learn to ride horses and share in God’s word. In his later years, Thor continued to be involved in hockey ministry for youth.

Thor was predeceased by his loving wives Marie (Craft) and Willena (Thompson), and his sister Valborg Ward. He is survived by three sons; Blake (Judy) and Philip (Jayne) of Rothesay and Leif (Edith) of Saint John, 6 grandchildren; Garrett, Etta, Carter, Katelyn, Courtney and Michelle (Tim Lamb) and three great-grandchildren; Amelia, Franklin and Thor (Lamb), sister Edith McQuay of Kingston, Ontario, and brother Kenneth Brodersen (Liz) of Ottawa, Ontario.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John (646-2424), with visitation on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.The funeral service will be held from River Cross Church, 61 Forbes Drive on Sunday, August 7th at 2 p.m, with a reception immediately following. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery on Monday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances in memory of Thor may be made to River Cross Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.fundyfuneralhome.com

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