Thynne, Walter (1901-1986)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WALTER THYNNE: born at Darlington on 15th February 1901. After leaving school he became an apprentice engineer at the L.N.E.R. Locomotive Works in Darlington. He, and Olive who was to become his partner, attended the Haughton Road Church, here he became a Local Preacher and later a candidate for the Primitive Methodist ministry. After training at Hartley College, Manchester he served as a Probationer at Thetford, Richmond, and Brynmawr. He was ordained in 1930 and subsequently served in the following circuits: Church Stretton, Meltham, Conisborough, Crook, Haltwhistle, York (Clifton and Monkgate), and Scarborough.

Throughout the years his wife shared completely in his ministry and they retired in Scarborough where after a further eight years she died. He was a most gentle and loving man, who will be remembered by both young and old, in the circuits where he served, for the generous pastoral care which he gave to folk both inside and outside the Christian community. Wherever he went he radiated the love of His Lord. His quiet words of kindly appreciation have helped young preachers, both lay and ministerial; he was a great encourager. In retirement he continued to exercise a gracious ministry, in preaching and pastoral work, as a Chaplain to the local Company of the Boys’ Brigade, as an organiser of ecumenical groups and a member of the Methodist Men’s choir. He had a deep affection for the Methodist Church which had given him the opportunity to fulfil his vocation. 

His home was, like the man himself, a haven of peace, contentment and happiness. He is survived by his son Gordon and his daughter Irene who has lovingly cared for her father through a time of declining health and strength. He died on 27th February 1986 in the eighty-fifth year of his age and the sixtieth year of his ministry.

Family

Walter was born on 15 February 1901 at Darlington, Co. Durham, to parents Samuel Thynne, a labourer at railway engine works (1901), and Mary Jane Angles.

He married Olive White (1901-1974). Birth records identify two children.

• Gordon W (b1932)
• Irene M (b1936)

Walter died on 27 February 1986 at Newby, Scarborough, Yorkshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1926 Thetford
• 1928 Richmond, Yorks
• 1929 Brynmawr
• 1933 Church Stretton
• 1936 Holmfirth
• 1940 Doncaster Oxford Place
• 1946 Crook
• 1952 Haltwhistle
• 1957 York, Clifton
• 1962 Scarborough
• 1966 Scarborough (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1986/82

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers