Albert Paul Thistle

Albert “Big Al” Thistle, 82 GORHAM - It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Albert Thistle, who passed away on May 4, 2016 at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine, with his family by his side. Al was born March 9, 1934 in Portland the son of Roy Edward Thistle and Gladys Elizabeth Sanborn. He attended Portland schools and joined the Merchant Marines in the early 1950’s. Upon return he became an auto/motorcycle mechanic working in local shops. He would travel to Florida for the winters on his Harley Davidson, where he worked as a diver at the Miami Sea Aquarium feeding sharks. Al had a love for cars and went on to become a well known drag racer in the northeast, spending much time at the drags in Sanford. In 1963 he was the 12.00 sec. national record holder in the B/Gas series. In his retirement years, he restored antique cars and attended car shows in his 1959 El Camino. He also had a love for NASCAR and old western movies, spending endless hours watching old John Wayne movies with his cat Ricky in his lap. “Big Al” was not your ordinary guy, he was very outspoken, undoubtedly the “Life of the Party”, a loyal friend and respected by many. I am sure that all who are reading this and knew Al, the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra says it all. Al is survived by his son John Thistle of Portland, his daughter Kelly Thistle Hansen and her husband Joe of Windham, his grandchildren Jessica Thistle of Standish, Jacob Thistle of Portland, Heath Chase of Portland, four great grandchildren, a very special friend Claudia Googins of Biddeford and countless friends. Services will be held on Monday, May 9th at Dolby Funeral Home, 434 River Road, Windham. Visiting hours will begin at 10:30 am until the time of the service at 11:30 am, committal at Brooklawn Cemetery in Portland, followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion Post 197 on 300 Conant Street in Westbrook at 2:00 pm. Please feel comfortable dressing casually. “Big Al” is in jeans so you can be too. If you are a race fan feel free to wear your favorite racing attire. Al requested before passing, that, in lieu of flowers donations be made to a trust fund he had set up for his cat Ricky to cover expenses his new owner may incur due to health issues. Cumberland County Federal Credit Union “The Ricky Thistle Trust Fund” - account # 46787, 101 Gray Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105.

Albert Paul Thistle

March 9, 1934 - May 4, 2016

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