Jack Thorpe

1913 - 2010

Jack Thorpe died suddenly at the age of 97, of an apparent heart attack, on November 25, 2010, at his home in Palm Desert, Calif. Blessed with humor, independence, intellectual curiosity, and courage throughout his days—along with the ability to make new friends and keep old friends—Jack has now been reunited with his beloved wife Mary and brother Bill. A Yorkshireman, Jack was born February 19, 1913, in Leeds, England, to Edward and Emily Thorpe. His father died when he was just a boy, and as a young teenager Jack moved to Canada, where his older brother was living. There he worked as a farm hand and a lumberjack until the Great Depression hit. Jack was an exemplary member of the Greatest Generation. Service in World War II was voluntary for Canadians; Jack enlisted not once, but twice. He volunteered with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corp at the beginning of World War II, in September, 1939. Wounded during a bombing attack in 1941, Jack convalesced at an English hospital. Honorably discharged in September, 1941, he returned to Canada. He re-enlisted a year later, in December, 1942, this time in the Royal Canadian Air Force, from which he was honorably discharged at the end of the war in 1945. On August 26, 1946, in Detroit, Mich., Jack married Mary Hogue, a U.S. citizen. Together they raised three children, Walter, Maryann, and Elizabeth. On June 27, 1950, Jack became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He received a degree in electronics engineering from the Electronics Institute of Detroit, Mich., and shortly thereafter the family moved to Southern California. There he worked first for Hughes Aircraft and then for Douglas Aircraft on various projects, including the Nike Zeus Anti-ballistic missile—living in the Marshall Islands from 1961 to 1963. Shortly after retiring in 1976, Jack and his wife moved to Palm Desert, where he has lived ever since. He is survived by the children he raised, Walter, Maryann, and Elizabeth as well as by his niece, Joanne Perry. Also surviving are eight grandchildren (Rita, Rhonda, Roxann, Susan, Shyama, Dawn, Hope, and Robert) and many great-grandchildren. Likewise celebrating Jack's life are his many friends, including special friends Chris and Melinda. Jack had a special place in his heart for animals, especially dogs. In his last years his constant companion was Andy, a Jack Russell terrier, with whom Jack enjoyed a walk on the day before he died. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Thorpe, and by his dear older brother, William Thorpe. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, at Palm Desert Country Club, 77-800 California Drive in Palm Desert from noon to 2 p.m. The family suggests that donations in Jack's name be made to any animal clinic or charity of your choice. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: mydesert.com/obituaries