Brian THORPE

THORPE, Brian
Brian Thorpe, co-founder and CEO of Albchem Industries, devoted husband and father, died suddenly of cardiac arrest on Saturday May 8, 1999. Born April 5, 1942 in Vancouver, BC, he attended the University of British Columbia where he was an active member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and where in 1965, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. Brian pursued his career as a Professional Engineer holding several executive positions in the Chemical Industry. He was a member of the Associations of Professional Engineers of both B.C. and Alberta. In 1991, Brian and fellow entrepreneur Ernie Pearson made a lifelong dream a reality when they created Albchem Industries. Under Brian's leadership, the Bruderheim, Alberta based company has grown to become the leading, low cost producer of Sodium Chlorate in North America. Always extremely concerned with the welfare of his employees and their families, he took pride in the continued growth and success of Albchem.Brian's professional accomplishments were equaled by his rich personal life. His love of golf, travel, music, home theatre and gardening were all treasured parts of his life that he shared with both family and friends. Most of all, he will be remembered for his devotion to his wife Joanne and his two sons Christopher and Jeffery. Brian had true passion for life and lived each day to the fullest. He passed away among friends walking up the 18th fairway, enjoying a beautiful Saturday morning of golf. He filled our lives with joy and happiness, which will be hard to live without. We will miss his smile and sense of humour, his good advice and his friendship. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC would be appreciated. A service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday May 12, 1999 at St. David's United Church on Taylor Way in West Vancouver. A reception will follow at Capilano Golf and Country Club.