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Ellwood (Al) John Thorson, 90, longtime Albuquerque photographer, died Sunday, April 10, 2005 in Albuquerque. He operated E.J. Thorson Studio on East Central from 1946 to 1972, photographing many young families and university students in the rapidly growing city. He was born in Williston, ND, in 1914 and graduated from high school in Grand Forks. After two years of college, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Marine Reserves. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained with the Army Air Corps. While stationed in New Mexico, he met and married Margaret Rebecca Crane, an Albuquerque schoolteacher. Upon deployment during World War II with the 351st Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force, at Polebrook Royal Air Force Base in England, he flew as an aerial photographer on 16 bombing missions. Injured during his service, he recovered at the Bushnell Army Hospital at Brigham City, UT, and following discharge, returned to Albuquerque. He is survived by his son, John E. Thorson and his wife, Karen of Oakland, CA; his daughter, Julia Thorson Kirkpatrick and her husband, Joe of Albuquerque; his granddaughter, Kyrstin B. Thorson of Helena, MT; numerous nieces and nephews; and his long-term caregiver, Lynn Otero of Albuquerque. Mr. Thorson was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret in 1977, and all five of his brothers and sisters. His long-term canine companion, Blondie, also preceded him in death. Services will be held Friday, 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 4th and Lead. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul NE. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Shriner's Hospital-Twin Cities, 2025 E. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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