Kenneth Robert Thorpe

1941 - 2018

Kenneth Robert Thorpe Kenneth Robert Thorpe passed from this life on May 27, 2018. He was born March 23, 1941, in Akley, Minnesota to Giles and Gladys Thorpe, third in line of six boys. The Thorpe family moved to Washington when Ken was 15 and he graduated from Kent-Meridian High School in Kent, WA. Ken's plan out of high school was to become career Navy. The Navy quickly realized the talent and intelligence Ken had and rapidly moved him along in his field of electronic warfare, including putting him in the role of instructor. During the Vietnam conflict he flew as the electronics specialist in a P-3 for three tours. He and his team flew many classified reconnaissance missions. They were shot down one time and rescued from the Pacific Ocean. He also made it possible for many soldiers to have communication with their families at home through a short wave radio system Ken developed and operated. After 20 years he retired with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. The Department of Defense then hired Ken to continue his highly classified service in electronic surveillance for eight years. Panasonic hired him away to take a position selling Panasonic surveillance equipment to the military. He was always professional, creative, superbly fit and worked with exceptional intelligence. In 2003, he retired and built a home in central Florida. Ken and Marjean Bodily were married in 1965, and had two children Gaylene and Mike. After 28 years of marriage Marjean died of cancer in 1993. In 2009, Ken traveled from Florida back to Washington to attend his high school 50th reunion. While there he met classmate Lynda Adams. We were married five months later and enjoyed eight wonderful, precious years together. Ken is survived by his wife Lynda son Mike, daughter Gaylene, seven grandchildren and numerous great grands, and his brothers Dick, Al and Greg Thorpe. A small family gathering was held at Ken and Lynda's home. His ashes will be scattered at sea in a Navy ceremony. The family's choices of charity are the South Sound Alzheimer's Council, Attention: Dawn Peterson, Garden Courte Memory Care, 626 Lily Rd NE, Olympia, WA. This is funding for the care and treatment of victims in need. ALZ.org (click on donate). This is research for an Alzheimer's cure.