I was saddened to learn of the planned closing of the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. My father, Charles Thornton, was wrestling coach at the school from 1947 to 1961. His achievements included building the first running track with a hand rail for blind runners, and leading the first known rim to rim crossing of the Grand Canyon by blind and visually impaired hikers in 1956.
The Grand Canyon crossings, and hikes in the hills and mountains near Tucson are some of my fondest memories. Mt. Wrightston in the Santa Ritas, and Mt. Wasson in the Tucson Mountains were among our favorite destinations. Most of all I made friends to last a lifetime.
William Thornton
Midtown
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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