Thor Aksland

Thor Aksland, 76, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in San Luis Obispo, California. Born on November 7, 1949, in Stavanger, Norway, Thor lived a life rich with experiences and connections that spanned continents.

His journey began on a Norwegian farm, where he was baptized into a Lutheran faith that remained a lifelong cornerstone. After immigrating to the United States as a young boy, Thor settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he spent an active youth wrestling and running track before graduating from Lincoln High School in 1968.

In August 1969, Thor answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He served with distinction during the Vietnam War, completing three tours of duty as a Hull Maintenance Technician Second Class (E-5). Following his honorable discharge in 1973, he brought that same dedication to his professional life. He began by building homes alongside his father and brother at Aksland Construction in Colorado and later took to the open road as a freight driver for England Trucking. Eventually, he found a long-term home at PG&E, where he rose from a meter reader to a Senior Gas Survey Engineer over more than two decades of service.

Beyond his professional achievements, Thor was a man of vibrant passions. He was an avid baker who delighted in experimenting with new recipes, and he found peace in nature while fishing and crabbing. He possessed an extraordinary gift for storytelling and connection; he could walk into any room and leave with new friends. His warmth and humor made him unforgettable to all who crossed his path, a spirit he continued to nurture as a member of Refuge Church in Atascadero.

Thor is survived by his fiancée Thelma Edison; siblings Rose Durham, Irene Freckleton, and David Aksland; daughter Julie Aksland; and beloved grandchildren Sofie and Caira. He was preceded in death by his sister Karen Swartley and his parents, Irma Balle and Thorvald Aksland.

Thor remained a steadfastly kind-hearted man and his life was a testament to openness and generosity. His memory will continue to bring comfort to the many people who called him a friend and family.