Garfield M. "Gar" Thorsrud On November 23, 2014, Gar left the loving and caring arms of his family to join those of Jesus and loved ones who have gone before. Gar was born on a farm, near Watford City, ND on February 20, 1928 to Norwegian immigrant homesteaders Mikkel S. and Gunhild (Landmark) Thorsrud, the youngest of five children. When Gar was eight years old, the family moved to Missoula, MT where he attended school and graduated from the University of Montana in 1951. Gar and Audrey Olson were married on December 27, 1951 in Billings, MT. At age 16, Gar began seasonal employment with the U.S. Forest Service on blister rust and fire crews until he became a smokejumper in 1946. He continued jumping seasonally as he worked his way through college. This experience led to distinguished government and leadership service for over 30 years. He also received his "wings" in 1955 and flew in both the Montana and D.C. Air National Guard Units. He served his country well. Upon government retirement, Gar founded Mountain West Aviation in 1975, which later became Sierra Pacific Airlines, serving as its president until his death. Gar loved his family, his many, many lifelong friends and this country. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Jennie Coombs and three brothers, Sverre, Edwin and Edgar. Survivors include his wife, Audrey; a daughter, Lynn (Clifford) Nystrom; two sons, Erik (Cathy) and Mark (Shanna); five grandchildren, Mark (Lisa), Ann (Pete) Realmuto, Lauren (Joe) Martinez, Tanner and Riley Thorsrud; three great-grandchildren, Kalli, Hunter and Austin Realmuto; two step-great-grandchildren, Summer and Josh Martinez; brother-in-law, Allan (Pat) Olson and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorial gifts to: National Smokejumper Assoc. (Memorial Fund) 10 Judy Lane, Chico, CA 95926; Museum of Mountain Flying, 713 S. 3rd St., W. Missoula, MT 59801; St. Mark's UMC, 1431 W. Magee Rd., Tucson, AZ 85704 or an organization of one's choice. Gar's life will be celebrated at St. Mark's United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at10:30 a.m., Reception to follow afterwards. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Nov. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Garfield Thorsrud

13 Entries

Vicente J. Blanco

September 11, 2023

I met him in Retalhuleu. Guatemala at the RAYO Base before the Bay of Pigs Invasion,
he convinced me that I would agree to change the radio-operators in the Air Force to go to Miami or another operation, at that time I was 17years old. I remember when he arrived at RAYO Base, he parachuted in Bermuda shorts and flab-flob.

April 11, 2015

I worked for Mr. Thorsrud at Intermountain Aviation. He was a fine gentleman and respected leader. I've always felt privileged to have worked with him and the all the knowledgeable people @ I.A.I. My sincerest condolences to his wife Audrey and Family. Larry Rodriguez

Jan,Jim McGill

January 16, 2015

With our condolences and fond memories.

Jon Merriman

January 11, 2015

The Merriman family extends their condolences

Joyce Baum

December 8, 2014

I worked for Gar years ago (I think in the early 70s) at Intermountain Aviation. I had the pleasure of meeting him while there and found him to be an amazing person. I'll never forget the day he went to fly and he had one hanger cleared out so he could fly through it...he amazed us all with his flying abilities. I know all who knew him will miss him...in all these years I've always remembered what a great person he was.

Louis (Lou) Young

December 4, 2014

Sorry for the loss I was one of Gar's employees in Arizona 66/72. I always respected him for his strength and effort to get the job done. He will be missed by many I for one.
My deepest sympathy to all the family. Lou Young.

Mike Thorsrud

December 2, 2014

I regret that I never got to know Gar better. Being a Thorsrud and my father's brother, I know he must've been a hell of a guy.
Our sincere regrets on the passing of an icon.
Mike and Carole Thorsrud

Tim & Anne Davies

December 1, 2014

Of Gar's many accomplishments, none greater than his role as husband, father and grandfather.

Lonnie Giles

November 30, 2014

I was saddened to hear of Gars passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Audrey, Lynn, Mark and Eric.

Linda & George Vensel

November 30, 2014

Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to Audrey and the Thorsrud family during this difficult time. Knowing Gar was an honor.

Tod Jacobs

November 30, 2014

Hard to accept, harder to put in to words.The most worldly man I will ever know. He commanded respect for all he accomplished in life. Our condolences to the Thorsrud family.

len wolfer

November 30, 2014

Our sympathy goes out to the family. Worked with Gar for many years and always had the deepest respect for him. He was a great man.

Brenda Hinton

November 30, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to Audrey, Lynn, Erik, Mark and the rest of the family. He was an amazing and very respected man. Please know that the Hinton family extends our deepest condolences and you are all in our thoughts.

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