5 Star events are sad to report the death of Willie Thorne who was the Celebrity in 2011. He was a great supporter during his year. All at 5 Star send their condolences to his family.
A tribute to Willie Thorne our Celebrity in 2011 by President Jim Elkins.
Willie Thorne
I first met Willie Thorne at the B&H Masters in 1988 in my first year as Tournament Director. My immediate impression was that he was the same genuine good guy both on and off the TV. Whilst his record on the table could have been much better, having only won one ranking tournament in 1985, his popularity amongst the players and public is beyond doubt. Perhaps his frailty off the table was a key factor in his performance on the table…we will never know. Willie was one of life’s genuine good guys, a great character and always good company. He had the knack of charming people wherever he went and always managed to get prime parking space at the Wembley Hilton for his large black limo registration A147PRO irrespective of when he arrived. God bless you Willie and thank you for your company over the 16 years I had the pleasure of being a small part of your life.
Jim Elkins