We regret to advise that CWO Thorleif "Thor" Sigurd Kittilsen, MMM, CD (Ret'd ) passed on 30 December 2006 at home in Melvern Square, NS, at the age of 62 after a lengthy illness.
Thor enjoyed 25 very successful and rewarding years as a Canadian Military Engineer. Early in his military career, he began running to maintain physical fitness and soon ran away with the sport, training and competing in road races, marathons and ultra-marathons. He collaborated with other running buddies and initiated and participated in three 100-mile runs on the track at CFB Chilliwack that raised thousands of dollars for the Military Police Blind Children's Fund. He completed his most serious running challenge, a 100-miler from CFB Shearwater to CFB Greenwood. Thor was also proud of his first place finish in the 110km Rum Runners race from Halifax to Lunenburg in 1989.
Thor was also passionate about music and was a volunteer member of base bands in St. Hubert, Chilliwack and Greenwood. He particularly loved his early morning practices on the parade square in Chilliwack with the mountains as a backdrop. He was the drummer in numerous bands formed on radar bases and enjoyed playing big band sounds in Vancouver and jazz at Acadia. He particularly enjoyed his most recent band that allowed him to escape from his illness and express his emotions through music and friendship.
No visitation by request, with family flowers only. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Thor's life was held on 4 January 2007 in St. Mark's Chapel, 14 Wing Greenwood. Donations may be made to the Military Police Fund for Blind Children or Port George Baptist Church.