William J. Thorp

After 94 years of “a good run” at life, Dad’s heart finally tired out on Sunday, June 9th. He was born on Dec. 5th, 1918 in Tacoma, WA to Hilmer and Pearl Thorp, but was raised on the family farm in Eckville, Alberta that his grandfather had homesteaded after his adventures in the Alaska Gold Rush. Life on the farm was filled with hard work, but also many fun times with his younger, beloved brother, Russell. Dad enjoyed sharing the stories, including riding a horse miles to school, warming icy beds with rocks heated on the wood stove, using the 3-seater outhouse in the middle of sub-zero temps, fishing in the local river, and shooting prairie dogs for a nickel a piece.

After graduating from Olds Agricultural College, Bill returned to Washington where he fell in love with and married his wife of 70 years, Margaret Towner. They built their family home in Auburn where they raised their children, Julie, Bonnie, and Jay and spent so many great times with their neighborhood friends. Dad treasured those days.

Dad’s working career was eclectic: McChord AFB during WWII, Swift Meats, Modern Cleaners, the Auburn Stockyards (always a farm boy!!), and finally as a New York Life Insurance agent. Not naturally a salesman, Dad’s business success stemmed from his innate honesty and integrity. Everyone in town respected and trusted him. In retirement, Mom and Dad often wintered in Palm Desert where they developed many good friendships and created so many memories. During the summer, boating with friends in Sullivan Bay or visiting his brother on Pearl Island brought a smile to Dad’s face.

Dad loved to work hard, especially at the family cabin in La Conner, WA where he spent many a day cutting and splitting firewood, pulling crab pots, puttering in his shop, and sipping a good scotch on the bulkhead at the end of the day. The simple things, spent with family and friends, were what touched Dad’s heart. Having him for a dad has forever touched our hearts.

Dad is survived by his wife, Margaret, children Julie Peeples, Bonnie Kavanaugh, and Jay Thorp, 7 grandchildren: Andy and Colin Peeples; Brynn and Sam Kavanaugh; Matt, Jenny, and Margo Thorp; and 5 great grandchildren, all of whom loved their Papa.

Please join us in celebrating Dad’s long life on Tuesday, June 25th from 1-3 at Wesley Homes: 32049 109th Pl. SE Auburn, WA.