Turf Writer Vic Thornton, 80, Dies

Turf writer Vic Thornton died Aug 14 at his home in Boise, Idaho, the result of an apparent heart attack. He had celebrated his 80th birthday just a month ago, July 11.
 
He was a charter member of the National Turf Writers Association who watched 48 Kentucky Derbys from the Churchill Downs Press Box. He was also a regular at Breeders' Cup and frequented every major racetrack in North America and several tracks in England, Ireland, Scotland and France.
 
Thornton is a former reporter and sports editor for The Naperville Sun, a prominent weekly newspaper in a Chicago suburb, and a frequent contributor to racing and general interest publications.
 
As per his wishes, Thornton was to be cremated. No service is scheduled at this time.