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Paul Thorpe Obituary
Thorpe
Asheville - Paul Mark Thorpe, 45, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2011 working in the garden he loved. He is survived by his life partner, Jim Bixby and his immediate family; Paul's father, Mark Thorpe and wife Lila Thorpe of St. Louis, MO; Paul's sister Sheri Cook, her husband Bob and their children David, Robert, and Laura of Tallahassee, FL; Paul's brother Jay Thorpe, his wife Shelly and their children Joshua and Ben of Bonanza, OR; many aunts, uncles and cousins across the country; countless friends and students. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Irma Thorpe of St. Louis, MO, as well grandparents on both sides of the family.
Music permeated Paul's life. He owned and operated the Asheville Music School since 2002. Here he taught piano lessons to students ages 5-86. His own musical education began with piano lessons at age 6, low brass at age 10, progressing to church organist and choir accompanist in high school years. Paul received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri and Master's degree from Arizona State University. He began his career as a music educator teaching grades 5-12 in Warrenton, MO, outside his hometown of St. Louis, MO. After graduate school, he taught high school band, guitar and History of Rock and Roll for four years in Longmont, CO. Paul moved to Asheville in early 2000 where he taught strings in the Roberson district as well as full orchestra at the KIPP Asheville Youth Academy. Paul also served on the board of the Asheville Piano Forum.
Beginning in 2003, Paul created a life with Jim Bixby that included cooking, traveling, reading, gardening and spending time with their families and friends. Their partnership was a meeting of minds, hearts and souls, obvious to anyone blessed to witness it. Paul's incandescent smile, open arms and deep laughter will be missed by all who knew him.
Please join us to celebrate Paul's life. Saturday, December 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville, NC 28801
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Asheville Area Piano Forum, c/o Ronald Gordon, Treasurer, 144 Kalmia Drive, Asheville, NC 28804
http://www.aapf.ws/donate OR Manna Food Bank
mannafoodbank.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Thorpe
Mark Powell
May 4, 2025
I wrote my very first composition for Paul while we were at Interlochen together in the mid/late 1980s. Disjunct Doodles for Paul and His Tuba was my Opus 1 and I am filled with deep sorrow learning of his passing as well as pride knowing his musical life was so rich and shared with others.
Minnie Branch
December 2, 2020
Paul was a beautiful soul and I know the angels are rejoicing having him closer to them.
Sandra & James Stoecker
December 28, 2011
Paul lit up a room when he entered it and we know he lit up the lives that he touched. It took only a few minutes for James and I to know how special he was and that only someone like Paul would be the right one for our Jim.
Paul, you will be missed by so many whose lives you crossed paths with. We hope your spirit of giving and friendship will live on in those you so enriched.
Ernest Koh
December 21, 2011
Paul and I sang with the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus in San Jose, California a long time ago. I remembered his warm personality and great smile. I'm so sad to learn of his sudden passing away. My deepest condolences to his partner, Jim, and their families. Paul will be dearly missed by many.
Janice & Dick Lyons
December 18, 2011
As parents of a child Paul introduced to strings through the music program at Valley Springs in the too brief time he was there, we will say that his passing is a great loss. His gift with those kids was something truly remarkable and which we as parents valued greatly. Our daughter developed a love for music and what a good teacher was like which will bless her throughout her life. Our condolences to Paul's family and friends. He will be missed.
December 16, 2011
I'm so terribly sad about Paul's passing; too young, too soon. All you can say is, he was one of the great ones and his passion for music will live forever in so many people he taught (including me). My prayers and condolences to his partner, Jim, their families and everyone who basked in his light while he was with us.
Ashley Madden Wigglesworth
Dean Veenstra
December 12, 2011
Paul was a wonderful person who I will truly miss. I'm grateful that Char and I were able to spend time with him and Jimmy before his passing. I will never forget his kindness and warmth.
jackie pelletier
December 10, 2011
I was shocked to hear of Paul's accident. He and I had many conversations about public education while we poured wine in the Biltmore tasting room. His smile and spirit lifted the world!
Charity Jennings
December 10, 2011
Paul inspired me.
Todd Ponder
December 10, 2011
I was the Director of Bands at Warrenton High School from 1997-2007. During his time there he laid the groundwork for the successful program I was blessed to head up for 10 years. Many thanks to Paul for his contributions to the students in Warrenton during his time there - may you rest in peace and may your family and friends be consoled during this difficult time.
Paul I will NEVER forget you
Moonlite Lewis
December 9, 2011
SHOCKED Met Paul a year ago in the Mtn bizwork class we were both in. What a wonderful guy I actually suggested a friend take music lessons at his school and she really loved the school and teacher. I ran into Paul a few months ago at French Broad coop little did I know it would be the last time. Both smilin from ear to ear sharing what we had been doing business wise since class. I won't be able to make his Saturday gathering but he is definitely on my mind and he has definitely touched my heart I will never forget about Paul. With much LOVE Moonlite
Melody (Sigler) Galen
December 9, 2011
So sorry to hear about Paul. We went to high school together (Pattonville), and he was in yearbook class with me. I always thought he had the most amazing eyes! I know he'll be missed.
DIane Wetzel (Kraemer)
December 9, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Paul's death. He lived down the street from me In Bridgeton and went to the same schools. Paul was an awesome friend! We lost touch with each other after high school but reconnected through facebook. My thoughts and prayers are with his partner and family. Paul will be missed by many people!!! Paul you will bring music to the angels!!!
December 9, 2011
So sorry for your loss. I knew Paul from Pattonville High School.. Robyn Burks-Langhorst. My prayers are with you.
wanda sturges (liddell)
December 9, 2011
I knew paul in high school and was sadden by the news of his passing. I do know those who mourn shall indeed be comforted! i send peace and love energy to his beloved partner and family.
December 9, 2011
He was in my class last year at mtn bizworks what a shock so sad to hear this he was a wonderful guy with a beautiful heart!
Garrett Ruley
December 9, 2011
To a great piano teacher, always funny and easygoing. Words can't really explain the loss.
You warm out hearts!
G G
December 9, 2011
My heart is aching, missing you. GG
Lisa Cunningham (Trapp)
December 8, 2011
So sad. I knew Paul from Pattonville Sr. High. We graduated together. Sending love and light and good memories to him and his family & friends.
JB DuMont
December 8, 2011
Paul was standing in our doorway when I met him first, "Come to our party" he said. He didn't even know us but was extending his hand and smiling. The neighborhood will not be the same. Our deepest sympathy to Jim.
Tiffany Burrell
December 8, 2011
Mr. Thorpe was my favorite teacher at TC Roberson and it is so sad that his bright personality is missing in this world. He made music fun, even for the jaded teens we were at the time. My condolences to his family and friends.
Roxanne Semon
December 8, 2011
He was talented in so many ways. The neighborhood will miss his warm smile and thoughtful demeanor. Roxanne Semon
December 8, 2011
This is when life just sucks!We will miss you.
Gary Mitchell
December 8, 2011
This is when life just sucks!We will miss you.
Jacquie Hammond
December 8, 2011
Paul was always smiling when I saw him at my Aunt Chris's house! Jim I am so sorry for your loss. Love to you all.
Elizabeth Schell
December 8, 2011
We already miss Paul very much. Paul gifted my 9 year old with the love and wonder of music. Thoughts to Jim and to all Paul's extended family, friends, colleagues, and students.
December 8, 2011
I remember meeting you Paul, such a kind and gentle spirit you were; and such a wonderful violin teacher to my daughter, Erica. We will both miss you.
Catherine and Erica
Annis Lytle
December 8, 2011
May God bless you and keep you during your time of bereavement. Great teacher at KIPP.
Minnie Branch
December 8, 2011
The lights of this planet went out for a time as the whole of it wept for the loss of this lovely man.
Steve Mascaro
December 8, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Paul's family and loved ones. This is too heartbreaking for words. Paul was a terrific person.
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