William A. Thorpe's Obituary
William (Bill) Alvin Thorpe was born January 9, 1939 to Nathan and Margaret Thorpe in Hermiston Oregon. He passed away peacefully at home and went home to be with The Lord, January 20, 2014.
Bill grew up in Boardman Oregon, where he recalled fun times of roaming the deserts with his brothers and friends, hunting pheasants, ducks and sometimes each other. In high school Bill starred (his version of the story) on the football field and baseball field. He loved that he could play either right or left handed, giving him the advantage over other teams.
It was on the volleyball court that he met love of his life, Teresa Obermeier and they were married in 1958. A couple years later they moved to St. Helens where Bill started work at Boise Cascade. Two kids later, in 1967 they purchased and remodeled the home in Deer Island where Bill loved to have family and friends over often.
Bill used his talents of woodworking, archery and other skills to teach his kids and other 4-Hers. He also used those gifts that God had given him to lend a hand to many in the Deer Island community, church and to his elderly friends and neighbors.
An avid fisherman and hunter, He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with friends and the family spent many camping trips searching for the elusive great fishing hole. When the grandkids came along, Bill and Teresa would pile them into the motor home and continue the memories and love of camping and fishing.
A life long member of Grange, he faithfully served the Deer Island Grange and Pamona, he enjoyed spending his 75th birthday at his last meeting of Grange. He also enjoyed Pinochle and knew every card everyone had!
Bill was extremely proud of all of his grand children and even more proud of his Great Grands. Bill and Teresa followed them over the years in all of their activities attending plays, recitals, ball games, tournaments etc.
Retiring from Boise Cascade after 38 years gave Bill and Teresa more time to travel and searching out more of the unknown fishing spots along with clamming and camping. Bill didn't slow down in helping others though, his new “mission field’ became taking care of elderly neighbors, fixing things around their homes, Dr. appointments and just listening to their stories. He also took on the care of the Kinder Cemetery as he and Teresa diligently and lovingly spent countless hours taking care of the Kinder Cemetery.
Preceding him his father Nathan Thorpe, brother Jim Thorpe and Great Granddaughter Abigail Worthington.
Survived by his wife Teresa Thorpe of 55 years, daughter Connie Thorpe of Portland, son Bill and daughter in law Kris Thorpe of Warren, 7 grandkids and 8 great grandkids, as well as his mother Margaret Thorpe of Hermiston, Oregon.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 11:00 at Columbia Funeral Home Committal Service & Vault Interment: Kinder Cemetery- Deer Island
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