Submitted
As Karen Thorns accepted a Legacy Society gift from Developmental Service of Northwest Kansas on behalf of her late father, John Thorns, you could feel the love that she had for him.
She stared intently at the name on the bottom of the clock and felt the hands of her aunt Margaret comforting her. Karen remembered her father who passed away in 2014 and proudly showed the gift to everyone who walked by.
The gift was given by Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president, to Karen at Reed Developmental Center on June 15. The gift, a book clock, was given in memory of John Thorns, who demonstrated his support to DSNWK by remembering DSNWK in his estate plan.
DSNWK has been presenting special gifts to all of its Legacy Society members during the past several months. The Legacy Society recognizes and honors people who have shared with DSNWK that they have included a gift in their estate plan or have made a cash gift of $10,000 or more.
This type of giving ensures that future funding will be available to support the growing needs and priorities of DSNWK and its mission.
John Thorns was a former chairman of the Fort Hays State University Department of Art and Design.
He taught classes in basic design, art history, architectural and interior designs. His daughter Karen receives services from DSNWK at Reed Developmental Center.
John Thorns passion for art continues to be seen through Karen. Springing from their painting together as father and daughter, she loves to participate in art classes at the Reed Center and she is an active participant in the Art Collaboration Project through FHSU.