Medford Mourns Loss of Business and Community Leader Bill Thorndike

Medford, Oregon: The Medford City Council honored longtime community leader and businessman William “Bill” Thorndike, Jr., who passed away Saturday, during its Wednesday meeting. Mayor Michael Zarosinski led the tribute, recognizing Thorndike’s significant contributions to the city and the broader Southern Oregon region.

“Bill was more than a successful businessman—he was a dedicated advocate for Medford and Southern Oregon,” Zarosinski remarked.

A third-generation Rogue Valley resident, Thorndike was born in Medford on December 15, 1953. He graduated from Medford Public Schools in 1972 before earning a B.S. in Business Administration from Lewis & Clark College. Following his education, he took the helm of Medford Fabrication, the custom steel company founded by his family in the mid-1940s. Under his leadership, the business grew to serve clients both statewide and internationally.

Beyond his business success, Thorndike was known for his deep civic engagement. He served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Crater Lake National Park Trust, Pacific Retirement Services, Asante Health System, and the Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. His commitment to Medford’s future was also evident in his role on the Medford 2040 Vision Task Force, which aims to shape the city’s growth over the next two decades.

Thorndike’s dedication earned him widespread recognition, including the President’s Medal from Southern Oregon University in 1996 and the First Citizen Award from the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County in 2007.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek paid tribute to Thorndike on social media, writing, “I am sad to hear about the passing of Bill Thorndike. Oregonians can thank him for his entrepreneurship and unwavering charity and service to others, especially his neighbors in Southern Oregon. Sending love to his family today.”

Thorndike’s love for his hometown was evident throughout his life. In a 2019 interview with the Southern Oregon Business Journal, he reflected, “Medford is home, not a stopover.”

Mayor Zarosinski closed the City Council’s tribute by emphasizing Thorndike’s enduring impact. “On behalf of the City of Medford, we extend our deepest condolences to Thorndike’s family, friends, and colleagues. Our community is stronger because of him, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.”

Thorndike leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to Medford and Southern Oregon.