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BORN
1934
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Philip Thorpe Obituary
would happen"
Philip Dayton Thorpe, born in Salt Lake City, April 1, 1934, to Ward R. & Phyllis Dayton Thorpe, and whose birth probably marked the beginning of April Fools' Day, died April 10, 2018, from causes related to life-long obesity and sleeping standing up. His grave marker will read "This corpse, is Phil Thorpe's."
Clod, as he was called even by those who knew his name, lived such a boring life that watching paint dry caused him to hyperventilate. His accomplishments will be published at a later date, if any are discovered. He served as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army. Canada wouldn't take him because, so they said, they don't go to war much up there. He served 3 missions for the LDS Church but they stopped sending him because he always came back. He picked up 3 University degrees along the way, two of which he had to return.
He was superceded in death by several billion people and is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda (Bird). She knew that she had married way beneath herself as they honeymooned at the SL County land-fill. She gave him six wonderful children-one at a time: Devin (Gail), Tiffany (Henry) Black, Natalie (John) Child, Jeremy (Angela), Bricker (Bridgett), and Christian (Ciara). They, in turn, provided 7 grandchildren, Dayton, Adam, Avery, Allie, Katlyn, Emerson and Sophie, along with 7 step-grandchildren, Riachle, Reagen, Courtney, Catie, Markessa (David), Alyssa (Eric) and Dalton, and 5 step-great grandchildren Alexander, Israel, Natalia, Yesenia and Avayha-Lynne. Also, his younger brother Scott (Kathy) Thorpe, sisters Shanna Baggaley and Patricia (Dick) Winzenried, all outlived him.
In keeping with one of society's morbid mores, there will be a wee wake Sunday evening for twenty minutes and for six minutes before the funeral the following day.
The price of admission to each of these events is one can of food, for his wife to whom he left nearly nothing. Burial will be in his backyard beside the dog his wife would never let him have.
Please don't send flowers. If you have a rush of generosity, then please just give to your favorite charity. Tell them Phil sent you.
The above was composed by our beloved Philip in his classic self-deprecating, hilarious fashion. We extend a heartfelt invitation to his friends, family, and missionaries to the funeral services on Monday, April 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Cottonwood 4th & 7th Ward Chapel, 5565 S Neighbor Lane (1600 E.), SLC, the very same chapel where he served as Bishop. Viewings will be held Sunday evening, April 15, 2018 from 6-8:00 PM at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S 2300 E, SLC and at the church Monday, from 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Holladay Memorial Cemetery. Guestbook to post messages and tributes for the family available at: HolbrookMortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Thorpe
Sponsored by Holbrook Mortuary - Salt Lake City.
Gayle Ottman
December 8, 2023
I love it-even these 5 years late! Phil was my supervisor in SLC/Midvale-Murray area "War on Poverty" program in 1965-67. (He always noted that I showed up late often)
He was one of a kind. We kept in touch over the years. I so admired all that he was and contributed to the church, communities, family.
I knew their children via Christmas photos. I always knew he would leave an indelible positive legacy through works as well as family.
We had a lot of fun working together, getting to know Linda and their darling children.
We had many in depth discussions around our work, hopes, for the future. I will always remember his one LDS prediction, which I noted when it occurred.
A true blessing he was, I appreciated the opportunity to know and work with him, and calling he and Linda friends.
Braden Lindstrom
January 14, 2020
I just learned of President and Sister Thorpe's passing. My condolences to the family. President Thorpe was my mission president. I was a young, nervous missionary. He, along with his wonderful family, always made me feel better about my ability to serve a successful mission. I'll be eternally grateful. I still remember getting ready for my last zone conference, trying to look as nice as possible to earn one of Sister Thorpe's "Elegant Elder" awards. She was so gracious in presenting me with one.
Jon Woodson
August 30, 2019
One of the most interesting men I've had the pleasure of reading about. Rest in peace young man.
Frances Pinto
July 17, 2018
To the family of Philip Thorpe,
I know I should feel sad at his passing but all I did was smile.
What a wonderful person he was,
and
such a sense of humor and Love for his Family.
God Bless his family.
Jim Butler
May 12, 2018
Dear Thorpe family;
I served with him in the Spokane mission, what a wonderful soul and role model for me and all of the young missionaries then. I will remember him always for his kindness and the help he gave us all at that pivotal time in our lives. So many of us are better because of his efforts. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with us...
Daniel
May 11, 2018
I would like to extend my condolences to the family. I didn't know Philip personally but his lighthearted obituary was a pleasure to read. I hope the family is comforted by fond memories of Philip and may the God of tender mercies grant you peace in this time of loss.
Nikki Ortega
May 10, 2018
May God be with all of you during this difficult time. I did not know him but couldnt help but read his obituary. He must have been a joy and quite the jokester during his life. Someone I would have liked to have known. What a great obituary. His humor shines through even from beyond. God bless all of you. I pray all of you carry his humorous spirit throughout your lives and bless others with it as well. Thank you for sharing.
Kevin NotThorpe-Vap
April 19, 2018
I never met Phil but by this obituary I can tell the world lost a good man with a great sense of humor. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Allie Anderson
April 17, 2018
I never met Phil but by this obituary I can tell the world lost a good man with a great sense of humor. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Brian Roberts
April 16, 2018
Dear Thorpe Family,
While President Thorpe was on Earth I only got to spend five days with him. But I have never forgotten his extreme sense of humor, kindness, and how everyone who knew him loved and respected him.
The year was 1982 and I was dating Tiffany. I drove eighteen hours in a snow blizzard to spend five days with your family in Spokane, Washington for Thanksgiving. Before arriving I called and said I would be there shortly.
When I arrived at the mission home President Thorpe was sitting on the front porch waiting to meet me for the first time and trying to scare me. He had camouflaged himself by dressing head-to-toe as a life size scarecrow! He might have even painted his face. As I approached the door he jumped up, yelled, lunged at me and scared me.
Who wouldn't remember a man who would go to that much effort to meet an 18-year-old boy for the first time who was dating his daughter? I learned how funny and down-to-earth President Thorpe was - he didn't put himself above others, he went to great lengths to make everyone feel welcome.
During the five days I stayed with your family I got to experience his wonderful sense of humor over and over.
I thought it was very funny your family would put dirty pots and pans outside after every meal so wild dogs in the neighborhood would lick them clean, avoiding scrubbing.
President Thorpe showed me his trick of cutting sandwiches in half. He would make two diagonal cuts instead of one, offsetting each cut one half inch from the center. He would then eat the middle one inch of the sandwich and slide the sandwich together so the person receiving it wouldn't know part of it was missing and had been eaten!
One-day President Thorpe drove Sister Thorpe, Tiffany and me halfway across Washington State to a quaint little German tourist town he loved and bought us all a steak dinner.
While I was there your family was making a couple hundred Christmas presents, one for every missionary in your mission.
I loved hearing the missionary stories, including the time President and Sister Thorpe arrived unexpectedly at the two assistants' cluttered apartment and wanted to go in. The assistants dreadfully replied, "President, this isn't a pretty picture, you aren't going to like this." I also liked the story of the missionary whose dream was to take a bath in the big fancy bathtub at the mission home once his mission was over and you allowed it.
When I went on my mission to Christchurch, New Zealand in 1984 I learned not all mission presidents and their families are so nice. We were never allowed to stay at our mission home, never given a Christmas present, and almost never treated kindly.
Thank you for the wonderful memories and your sense of humor.
Larry Henkels
April 16, 2018
I have never met this man in my life, but just reading his obituary I can see what an enormous sense of humor he had.
My sincere condolences to his family.
April 16, 2018
What a personality! His spirit and enthusiasm were contagious. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you Linda and your family.
-Christopher Jensen, Holladay, UT
A R
April 16, 2018
"He was superceded in death by several billion people..." What a class act, keeping things real!
Thank you for sharing these laughs in a time of sadness. My thoughts are with you, though we've never met. Peace be with you!!
B Dilley
April 15, 2018
God bless your family for the loss of this wonderfully funny soul! I didn't know him but his obituary brought my (64 yr old) dad so much entertainment reading it, he couldn't wait to tell me all about it. Thank you for sharing his humor at a time of mourning.
Rachel Hale Gonzalez
April 15, 2018
Phil and Linda, Bless you both for blessing, loving and reminding my sister Heather what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about through your ministering and good works.
Art Hansen
April 15, 2018
I had the pleasure to know and serve under Philip as a missionary. Outside of my father he had the most influence of anyone in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, he will be missed.
Larry Hollist
April 15, 2018
I did not know Philip, but his obituary was hilarious. I wrote and Ode to him.
Ode to Philip Thorpe
Clod you were a man
Who set the bar so low
No one was surprised
When the search and rescued teams
Sent to find your accomplishments
Were lost forever.
Despite most of your life being boring
There was always great parties
(Triscuits and canned cheese spread)
When a light bulb was changed in the house.
Of course Phil, you were careful not to change any light
Until the light was really ready to change.
You always choose the most interesting
Landfills to vacation at
Often bringing home souvenirs
And mounting them on the wall.
Your wife never noticed that she
Married beneath herself
Because she was always
Doubled-over with laughter.
When it is my time to pass-on part of my obituary will read
He was superseded in death by billions of people
Most of which he never met including but not limited to:
George Washington, Albert Einstein, and Philip Thorpe.
Sandi Warren
April 14, 2018
At Philip's sons wedding dinner, (Bricker Bird Thorpe & Bridgett Warren married 2007), I was surprised and delighted to find that Philip and his wife bought the "Sunset Hotel" from my grandfather, Cecil Stanhope Bosquet, in Pocatello, Idaho. This happened when my mother, Bridgett's grandmother, Marjorie Bosquet Swainston, was just a young girl. Marjorie is Cecil and Dorothy Bosquet's first child....to see how we were connected again, in such an unusual way, after so many years of this transaction, still touches my heart. I have heard many great qualities about this wonderful man and father through the years. He will be missed sorely by his family and friends. I'm sure he is "stirring it up" up there!!
Polly Hart
April 14, 2018
I never knew Phil, but it sounds like he was a stand up guy. Even when sleeping! Please accept my condolences for your loss of an obviously special man.
Judith S
April 14, 2018
Dear family of a special man: my heartfelt condolences . It seems as if he is still bringing sunshine and joy after his passing . I wish I could've known him for he sounds like he is enjoying where he is now , just like it sounds as if he really enjoyed being alive. Please treasure your memories. Glad I got to at least read his obituary .
Rosemary Lindbeck
April 14, 2018
Unlike many of the previous writers, I have known Phil since kindergarten at Uintah Elementary School. Roosevelt Jr. High and East High followed w/his tenure as Senior Class President. We crossed paths occasionally through the yrs. including his selling a pair of shoes for my toddler. One of my "standout" memories is dancing w/him in the 7th grade w/my chin resting on his head. What good times we had! I also remember his beautiful mother visiting at school--back when our mothers would come visit and observe for part of a day.
This is an interesting obituary truly in his style. In my mind's eye I can hear and see him delivering this himself.
My condolences to his family. And to friends, especially those who knew Phil in the "good old days"!
Rosemary (Schwertz) Lindbeck
Mesquite, NV
April 14, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the God of tender mercies sustain you during this sad time.-Ps.94:19
April 14, 2018
I don't know the family of philip. However his obituary speaks volumes about him.He left a name that wont be forgotten. My condolences to you all. May the God of all comfort console you all at this time. Anonymous
Cliff Harris
April 14, 2018
Wish I had known Phillip Thorpe. His final note left behind has brought so much joy to so many. I imagine that his legacy will live on forever. Our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones is our wish
April 13, 2018
My condolences to the Thorpe Family. May your fond memories bring you much joy.
Annette Meier
April 13, 2018
I enjoyed working with Phil in the Grant Stake! He was always fun! My condolences.
Steve McFarland
April 13, 2018
Such a man will be welcomed Upstairs with open arms. To his family, thank you for loaning him out for awhile, even though I never had the good fortune of knowing him beyond his obituary.
Marge Wheeler
April 13, 2018
This was the best obit I have ever read!!! He must have been a joy to know. Wishing you all fond memories and condolences on the loss of such a special loved one.
April 13, 2018
I never knew Phillip but after reading this amazing obituary, I certainly wish I had! The humor and description made me wish I was lucky enough to make his acquaintance. He sounds like a heck of a guy.Condolences to his family on losing a clearly entertaining and unique person...
B A
April 13, 2018
Sounds like a real class act, wish I had known him.
Joanna Taylor
April 13, 2018
To my dear Aunt Linda~
"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
--Mary Elizabeth Frye
April 13, 2018
I am unfortunate to have never met this man, but I am sure I would have liked him. I have shared his obit with my co-workers. We all had a good laugh at his words. I am sorry he passed. My condolences to the family. A treasure has passed on.
April 13, 2018
Thorpe Family,
I didn't have the pleasure of know Philip, but I really enjoyed reading his words! What a wonderful and hilarious man he must have been. My thoughts and well wishes are with you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer F.
Taylorsville
Ellis Ivory
April 13, 2018
There was only one Phil Thorpe, unfortunately. How grateful am I to have had Phil as my Big Brother in Sigma Chi. Those final words of his obit are an absolute classic!
No Stake President was ever prouder than I to have the Santa Claus bearded Phil Thorpe serving as Bishop! He was the Best!
April 13, 2018
My condolences on your loss. Though that is one of the best obituaries I've ever read. What an amazing man to love with for 55 years !
April 13, 2018
Wow, I didn't even know Clod but loved his self-penned eulogy! I wish I had known him, I am sure we would have been friends. RIP Clod....
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Memorial Events
for Philip Thorpe
Apr
15
Viewing
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Holbrook Mortuary - Salt Lake City3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Apr
16
Funeral services provided by:
Holbrook Mortuary - Salt Lake City3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
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