Obituary: THORPE, WILLIAM HAL

William Hal Thorpe1923 ~ 2011BountifulW. Hal Thorpe passed away on Friday, December 23, 2011 in Bountiful, Utah, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born on June 18, 1923 in Buhl, Idaho, to Verne Bradshaw and Corilla White Thorpe, and raised in Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from East High School in 1941 and the University of Utah in 1948, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He married Ruby Erickson on November 26, 1954 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Hal worked in management at JCPenney Company for 35 years in Casper, Wyoming; Salt Lake City, Layton, Bountiful, and Tooele, Utah. During his career he received various awards for outstanding performance as a store manager. He cherished and maintained his many friendships with former colleagues, coworkers, and customers throughout his retirement. Hal leaves a legacy of hard work and service to country, family, friends, church and community. He served his country with valor during World War II as a B17 copilot in the 8th Air Force of the Army Air Corps, based in Mendlesham, England. While there, he had the opportunity to fly Operation Chowhound food drops and allied P.O.W. recovery missions in addition to numerous combat missions. After the war Hal reconnected with his crew members as they attended 34th Bomb Group Reunions. Always a patriot, he was quiet about his wartime service. Hal's family cherishes his example of selfless service to them and many others. After he retired he spent a decade providing loving care to his elderly parents. As a faithful member of the LDS Church, Hal served in many capacities and humbly followed our Savior's example of charity.Devoted to improving the communities in which he lived, he served actively in Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, Layton Chamber of Commerce, Bountiful Main Street Merchants Association, and Mueller Park Baseball. For all the selfless service he rendered, Hal in turn humbly accepted service from others during his illness, expressing his gratitude often. His engaging sense of humor was a strength to all as was his example of enduring to the end, and his warmth lightened the burden he bore. Hal found great joy as a lifelong sports enthusiast and participant. After retiring, his weekly golf outings with close friends were a particular highlight.Hal is survived by his children: Eric (Michelle) Thorpe, Lisa (Henry) White, Penny (Dave) Wright, Jeff (Lori) Thorpe, Brian (Marnie) Thorpe; 20 grandchildren; four greatgranddaughters; his sister, Annette (Blaine) Taylor; and sisterinlaw, Joan Thorpe. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby; his parents; and his brothers Verne and Dick. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main. Friends may call there on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment Bountiful City Cemetery. Hal's family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to the loving caregivers at Heritage Place and Inspiration Hospice. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.